In the lexicon of barbershop singers, there’s a term for what happens when the four parts of harmony come together so perfectly that they result in a soaring expansion of the sound.
“Chordbusting” is the ideal the Durango Barbershoppers – a men’s singing group that has been performing in town for 46 years – strives for. It also is the title of the Barbershopper’s 2014 fundraising concert. The event, which will feature a night of a cappella songs performed by the Barbershoppers and special guests, will take place Saturday at 7:01 p.m. at the Smiley Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
Carroll “Pete” Peterson, who holds the distinction of being the last remaining charter member who is still singing with the group, said singing groups will be performing everything from doo-wop to spirituals, pop and love songs. But the emphasis will be on traditional barbershop numbers.
“We love the music that was popular when the big bands were playing,” he said. “We don’t really try to be in the Top 40 with top hits.”
The show will be lighthearted, he added, with numbers like “Our Tenors” and “I Wanted to be a Baritone” that poke fun at the art of barbershop singing.
“(The audience) can expect the pleasure of good nature and fun and joking,” Peterson said. “We’re serious, but we’re not long-faced and sober.”
Along with songs by the men’s chorus group the Durango Narrow Gaugers and the Women’s Prerogative group, local barbershop quartets Durango A Cappella, First Class Delivery and Mixed Nuts will perform. The night will wrap up with a special appearance by Denver quartet Surround Sound. The Rocky Mountain District barbershop champions have competed and performed on the international stage.
The Durango Barbershoppers have been singing four-part harmonies in town since 1968. The all-men’s group belongs to the Barbershop Harmony Society, an international organization with chapters all over the world, and about 30 singers are currently involved.
Peterson said barbershop singing, a style of a cappella music that emerged in the 1930s, is about layering voices in a celebration of harmony. In that vein, members of the Durango Barbershoppers practice often, give annual performances and travel to workshops and conferences each year to hone their skills.
“Our goal is to be as harmonious and tuneful as possible. We really care about our sound,” Peterson said. “There’s always a push to improve.”
Members also are interested in seeing the barbershop tradition – and the art of singing in general – continue. Part of the proceeds of the fundraising show go toward music programs and education in local schools.
Peterson, who is 84, says he knows firsthand how singing with others can bring benefits and joy for a lifetime. That’s why he and his fellow Durango Barbershoppers want to ensure that local kids have plenty of exposure to and opportunities in music.
“We realize how fun it is and how good for your spirit it is to sing,” he said.
kklingsporn@durangoherald.com
If You Go
The Durango Barbershoppers’ annual fundraising concert, “Chordbusters” will take place Saturday at 7:01 p.m. at Smiley Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and are available at the door. Call 247-5073 for more information.
