The Stephen Foster Chorus will honor its namesake at its 72nd spring concert.

Members promise a concert filled with songs by the 19th century songwriter best known for such standards as “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair,” “Old Folks at Home” and “Beautiful Dreamer,” which is the name of this year’s performance.

Frank Bozek of Newton Falls, president of the chorus said, “I love that we’re the Stephen Foster Chorus and we’re doing a tribute to Stephen Collins Foster. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

In addition to the Foster songs sung by the chorus, musician Bill Lewis will perform some of Foster’s music and other selections. Lewis plays with several area groups, including County Mayo and Mark Pringle’s 1950s Elvis Presley tribute act, which was part of last year’s concert.

“He’s played with us before,” Bozek said. “When I contacted him, he was very excited about coming back.”

Also returning is the quartet Modern Tradition from Cuyahoga Falls

“They were such a big hit on the show last year we invited them back,” chorus member Dave Reel said.

One change this year is the chorus is moving the show from an evening performance to a 3 p.m. matinee.

“We thought about our audience,” Bozek said. “A lot of them are older and by having a matinee, it lets people come out when the sun’s still out and not worry about driving at night.”

Stephen West, who has a master’s degree in music from Youngstown State University, is completing his first year as director of the chorus, which will have between 16 and 20 members performing on Saturday.

“They sing with a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of heart,” West said.

The chorus rehearses at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Warren YWCA, 375 N. Park Ave., Warren, and always is looking for new members.

“I sang in the church choir for years and wanted to sing more,” Reel said. “I found out about the Stephen Foster Chorus and had to audition. I was very happy they accepted me.”

Bozek has been with the group for about 16 years and was attracted by the style of singing.

“The music, the harmony is what appealed to me,” he said.

Reel added, “We just look at each other and know when it’s right.”