Valentines can sing in the holiday for that special someone

This Valentine’s Day season, more and more people are stepping outside the box when it comes to surprising their sweetheart, thanks to the musical talents of Nautical Sounds. For a quarter of a century, Nautical Sounds – consisting of male singers from Lewes to Fenwick Island – has been putting on performances to pleased crowds. This Valentine’s Day weekend, they are continuing the cherished tradition of their Singing Valentines on Friday, Feb. 12, Saturday, Feb. 13, and Sunday, Feb. 14.

“It’s a three-day event this year,” said Nautical Sounds member Michael J. Nee, “with Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday.”

Nee has participated with the chorus and has noticed a camaraderie among the vocalists.

“There’s definitely a fun aspect to what we do, and when we’re in front of crowds, it can be an emotional shock,” said Nee.

For the holiday, for $35, a quartet of singers from Nautical Sounds will visit an individual and hand-deliver a card and a fresh, long-stemmed rose, as well as a “song of love.”

“The singing Valentines are a whole lot of fun to do,” said Herman Rotsch, a member of Nautical Sounds barbershop quartets. “It’s really rewarding, and a lot of our performances are very sentimental. You sometimes get tears out of the customers, but they always appreciate it. It’s tremendous fun for us, and for the recipient.”

The quartet can visit a home or an office for the delivery, and their weekend will be a busy one.

“We’ve even met people coming right off the [Cape May-Lewes] ferry,” said Rotsch. “This is probably the most exciting time for our singers, out of all of our programs. It’s definitely a joyous occasion.”

Recipients will be sung a variety of love songs and Valentines-related ditties, such as “Heart of My Heart” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”

Throughout the year, Nautical Sounds performs anywhere between 20 and 25 times, including a spring show at Cape Henlopen High School, and at CHEER centers and nursing homes.

“We’re all volunteers,” noted Rotsch, “and we try to keep the price down to where people can afford it. It’s definitely something nice and different to do for the holiday.”

To reserve a singing Valentine for your sweetie, call Herman Rotsch at (302) 644-1321. Time slots are limited, so be sure to call in advance.