The Acapella Express, formerly known as the Sweet Adelines of Fargo-Moorhead, is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary with a concert on December 6, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. The event will showcase the rich history and musical talent of the chorus, which has provided a supportive community for women since its inception in 1955.
The choir began as a response to the thriving men’s barbershop chorus in Fargo-Moorhead. Many wives, inspired by their husbands’ enthusiasm for singing, decided they wanted to join in the fun. “Their wives thought, ‘Our husbands are out having fun singing, we want to do it, too,’” said current member Audra Freeman. This led to the formation of their own chapter of Sweet Adelines International, an organization established in 1945.
Over the decades, the chorus has transformed both in name and style. Originally known for their tidy dresses and matching wigs, Acapella Express has evolved to embrace individuality while maintaining a unified sound. The name change was partly to appeal to younger audiences and to enhance online visibility, adding an “E” to become Acapella Express.
As part of the Northern Lights Region 6, which includes choruses from North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, Acapella Express has garnered accolades in competitions, including a #2 ranking for Small Chorus internationally. Their performances have graced stages in cities like London and San Antonio, showcasing their talent on a global scale.
Director Megan Argall, who has been with the group since high school, emphasized the importance of the chorus beyond music. “I know there is a rich tradition of history,” she said. “For everybody, it’s so much more than singing.” The ensemble performs a wide variety of music, from classic barbershop tunes to contemporary pieces, engaging with the community through various events.
The upcoming anniversary concert will blend music with storytelling and a showcase of archival photographs. The event will also highlight their long-standing community service efforts, such as the breast cancer fundraiser known as “It’s a Chick Thing.”
Acapella Express is more than just a musical group; it serves as a vital community for its members. Individuals come from diverse backgrounds, often joining through personal connections or even chance encounters, such as Freeman’s experience meeting a stranger who encouraged her to attend a rehearsal.
“From the moment I started singing, I felt it was my forever thing,” Freeman reflected on her 25 years with the group. Many members, like Diane Wicklund, who joined in 1990, have maintained long-term commitments, considering their fellow singers as family. “It was the only thing I really did for myself,” she mentioned, emphasizing the personal significance of her involvement.
Newer members, including Brittany Schwebach, have found their place within the chorus despite initial reservations about their singing abilities. “When I came here, everyone was so welcoming and said, ‘Come! We’ll teach you,’” she recalled. The inclusive environment fosters personal growth, skill development, and stress relief for many participants.
Freeman noted that the experiences gained through Acapella Express extend beyond music, providing valuable life skills in areas like event planning and budgeting. The supportive community offers a platform for women to build confidence and develop leadership qualities, particularly significant during the 1950s when many women stayed home.
As the concert approaches, the excitement within the group is palpable. The anniversary celebration promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the women who have dedicated their voices and lives to Acapella Express. All are welcome to join this celebration of harmony, sisterhood, and shared passion for music.
The performance will take place at 3 p.m. on December 6 at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 213 Eighth St. S, Moorhead. Admission is free, with attendees encouraged to make a voluntary contribution. Former members are invited to participate in select performances, emphasizing the enduring ties of this musical family.
