ESCANABA – The Next Generation Barbershop Quartet has been singing Valentines for 23 years. Their songs bring smiles to people’s faces as they walk into restaurants, business and even homes.

What’s it like to be sung to? Well, my wife, Patty Woerpel, found out.

“Oh, it was amazing. I enjoyed that. I didn’t expect it at all,” she said.

She was serenaded during a radio interview with the quartet. The group includes Bill Ehrhardt, Ted Brainard, Marc Tall and Jeff Kobasic.

Kobasic said there is something special about barbershop music that makes it fun and romantic at Valentines.

“Music in general, especially love ballads, touches your heart,” he said. “The wonderful thing about barbershop music is that there is a story behind every piece that we sing. The reactions that we get are varied. We’ve had ladies who are crying or they get embarrassed like Patty did but nonetheless it is always a positive experience and we love doing it.”

Singing Valentines are available in the Gladstone Escanaba area by calling 786-4798. They provide a photo, a rose and, of course, a love song.