Barbershop Bonanza

The barber pole rumor has it that most islanders are very specific: They either claim to love Barbershop music, or… not so much! But could it be one of those “I don’t know how to describe it, but I know what I like” things? For clarification – a definition of Barbershop singing:  Close four-part harmonies, sung A Cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). All that means is that the sweet harmonies are so beautiful, so full and complimentary, as not needing any musical instruments in the mix.

For example, the ‘alien’ bar-band in the original Star Wars movie made great music, but the human voice is an instrument we all connect with instinctively, “feeling” the music as much as hearing it.  

If the nay-sayers are expressing their feelings based on hearing old-fashioned ditties like “Sweet Adeline” or “Down By The Old Mill Stream” then I agree, those are of another era, and while the harmonies are sweet, they belong to our grandparent’s generation.

Our coming show on June 4th will be the 21st consecutive Barbershop Bonanza, and is designed to appeal to those with a more contemporary musical taste.   Please join us to savor tunes from the Beatles, the 40’s, John Denver, Queen (“Bohemian Rhapsody”), and country and western favorites. Goosebumps will appear as you experience the “Anthem of the West” sung with flavors of “home,” where we long for an absence of discouraging words.

For an isolated, distant land off “America,” our island produces amazing local talent. Presenting tasty harmonies are the Island Chordsmen Plus ( the Plus means a mixed chorus of both men and women) also hosts of the Barbershop Bonanza, and Sound Vibrations, the all-women A Cappella chorus who have justly earned praise with their amazing repertoire and beautiful blend. Leading both groups is beloved (and renowned) Angel Michaels, who also directs the San Juan Singers, gives private voice lessons, and owns and operates San Juan Pasta (see her at the Farmer’s Market). She’s one busy woman and deserves all the support she can get from an appreciative island audience.

Quartets are always a crowd pleaser on our shows, and this year we are featuring a new local quartet called “Three Grandpas and a Tenor.” Come check them out, for these guys could be your neighbor (Doug or Dick) or local business owners (Merle or Farhad), and you’ll enjoy their efforts. Our visiting group this year is an award-winning quartet from Oregon called “Over Time” and these guys are going to “Wow” you with their sound, their stage presence, and their humor. And speaking of “Over Time,” Mel Knight is their leader and also the arranger of our two closing songs, “Irish Blessing” and “We’ll Meet Again.” Arrangers are the people with brilliant talent who take an old or new tune and fit it to the barbershop close-harmony style.

Following his performance at the San Juan Singer’s Spring Concert, Sasha von Dassow, the renowned island musician and wordsmith, will also be our Master of Ceremonies. So when does all this magic occur?  One show only, 2:00pm Sunday, June 4th at the Community Theatre for the Barbershop Bonanza! Festival seating (no assigned seats) with tickets (only $18) available at the Theatre. Mark your calendar!

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