HOLeY Jeans concert takes audience to the 'movies' through song

This Sunday, the idea of spreading love through music and community service, will take the stage at the Barrow-Civic Theatre in the form of 37 young voices joined together as one.

HOLeY Jeans is the brainchild of Martha Heise who, years ago, came home from college and wanted to connect with her sister who is 11 years her younger. They did so through music. They held a small show and someone in the audience took notice. 

Ronnie Beith, a long-time advocate for Franklin events, suggested Heise apply for a grant and start the youth singing group officially. That was 27 years ago.

The group has fluctuated in size over the years and took a bit of a hit, like many other group activities, during COVID, but is rebounding. They currently have 37 members. "We've had as many as 50 and as few as 23," Heise said, adding they sing with what they have and this year she has seen an increase of kids from further away.

"I love how the kids know each other and get to know each other from other (school) districts," she said.

HOLeY Jeans' mission has always been about providing opportunities. "It's mainly to serve the community, and to give them a chance to connect with other kids who love music, and serve a greater purpose," Heise said. "One of the things I've always loved about the group is watching my older kids connecting with the younger kids and that is something I hope I can continue."

This year's show, themed around famous movies, will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday (April 16.)

It will also feature a traditional candlelight tribute to loved ones of members of the group. This will feature one special friend of the group, Ronnie Beith, who passed away last week. The ceremony will take place as the group sings "Cover the World with Love." 

"This is a perfect song for this year. If you listen to the words, that is the message of this group ... covering the word love in music," said Heise.  "One heart loving another, two hands reaching out, we can cover the world with love, two voices singing together, one voice ringing out," She recalled some of the songs lyrics.

"It's really about spreading the music and covering the world with love. And I will cry, because I always cry at every concert - plus it's (my daughter's senior show)."

The "HOLeY Jeans Let's Go to the Movies" show lasts about an hour and 25 minutes. It is the main fundraiser for the group that no longer gets the grant and typically performs at community events for free. Along with the show, they will hold raffles in the lobby. The group uses the money to pay for the songs and accompanying music mostly. Heisse, who doesn't take any pay, tries to keep costs down for the students who pay around $80 a year to join. They offer college scholarships to their long-time seniors as well.

Tickets to the concert are $10 to 13 and can be purchased online at barrowtheatre.org or at the box office that day. They are also welcome to visit the theatre lobby before the show to purchase raffle tickets for prizes awarded that day.