The Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention is set to make its return in Denver from June 29 to July 6, 2023, after its last occurrence in Cleveland in 2022.
This year’s event will gather over 2,000 singers representing 104 qualifying choruses and quartets, showcasing talent from 17 North American districts and international competitors from the UK, New Zealand, Sweden, and Japan.
Highlighting the competition will be the 2022 winners, Music City Chorus from Nashville, and the runner-up quartet, First Take from Leesburg, Virginia.
During the week-long affair, participants will engage in high-stakes singing competitions and spontaneous performances, turning downtown Denver into a hub of harmony, with singers taking to the streets and gathering in the Colorado Convention Center.
Barbershop music, renowned for its unique blend of four vocal parts—tenor, lead, baritone, and bass—creates rich harmonies that resonate with precision, emotional connection, and artistry.
This convention, held for the first time in Denver since 2007, will be characterized by camaraderie, competition, and the shared passion for singing among attendees.
One participating group, the Sound of the Rockies, has prepared an ambitious two-song contest set, cementing their place in a culture that values both tradition and innovation.
Founded in 2000, the Sound of the Rockies has had nine top-five finishes in past competitions yet aims for more this year, taking the stage as the last competitor on Saturday night.
The convention has historically been dominated by a few titans of the genre, including the Masters of Harmony, who have won the title nine times. However, with the dramatic rise of Music City Chorus in 2022, there is a growing sense of change in the air.
Antonio Lombardi, president of Music City Chorus, remarked on the group’s unexpected victory last year, attributing it to a newfound connection among singers and the courage to present a more personal narrative.
“We didn’t set out to win,” Lombardi stated. “But as the contest got closer, a kind of magic started to happen—the way we listened, the way we connected. The music just took over.”
Today’s barbershop competitions are increasingly defined by emotional honesty and creativity, as groups like Sound of the Rockies venture into uncharted musical territory, striving for originality rather than merely adhering to traditional song choices.
The modern barbershop scene emphasizes vulnerability and artistic expression, allowing choruses to share their truths and connect with audiences authentically.
Sound of the Rockies broke the mold in the previous year’s contest by performing “Amazing” by Aerosmith—quite different from the standard repertoire typically expected in barbershop.
With such a bold strategy, smaller choruses now have the opportunity to shine in a realm traditionally dominated by size and legacy.
Lombardi believes this shift is crucial for redefining excellence in barbershop music, allowing for a more level playing field.
While the contest set for Sound of the Rockies remains confidential until the performance, there is a palpable excitement within the group as they prepare to take the stage in their hometown.
Ninety-eight singers will unite, driven by the belief in harmony, as they chase the dream of gold, one chord at a time.
As the date approaches, participants and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the competitive atmosphere filled with spontaneous singing and impromptu performances, reminiscent of last year’s convention yet elevated by the unique challenges and opportunities this year presents.
The sound of barbershop harmonies is ready to resonate through the air in Denver, where history, companionship, and musical ambition come together for a truly memorable celebration of the art form.
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