On Wednesday, November 8, RiverCenter will present the Foreigner Historic Farewell Tour, bringing the multi-platinum album-selling rock band to Columbus for the last time. This historic concert will also feature a local presence as, joining the band on stage to perform “I Want To Know What Love Is,” will be the students of Muscogee County’s own William H. Spencer High School Greenwave Chorus, with their director Dexter R. Smith, Jr.

The choir was initially contacted by Foreigner’s Promotion and Marketing Director John Lappen, who has been selecting local choirs for the tour for more than 16 years and 800 performances. Lappen says that having the choirs sing with the band over the years has become a staple of Foreigner’s performances.

The Greenwave Chorus students were thrilled by the news. “When I first received the email about performing with Foreigner, my first thought was, ‘Y’all, this is serious! We are about to rock the stage!’” said director

Dexter R. Smith, Jr. “As I started to read the information to the students, they screamed in excitement as this is a HUGE opportunity for the choir and our school.” Smith told the students, “This is where hard work and

passion gets you, so now it is time to step up, execute, and ride the wave!” 

Choir President and Senior, Cameron Jackson, said that he is excited about being able to perform on stage with the world- renowned rock band and is thrilled to share those musical moments with his choir family. Spencer Greenwave Chorus members are working around the clock, preparing by rehearsing on the auditorium stage during class, having after-school rehearsals, and practicing individually to ensure a successful performance.

With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, FOREIGNER is universally hailed as one of the most

popular rock acts in the world with hits including “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,”

“Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Say You Will,” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is.”