August 31st 2010 Tuesday @ 7pm. 2765 Bauer Rd, 49428 The 37th GLC/Baker Family Corn Roast.


A smaller turn out this year than in past but still an enthusiastic bunch from chapters all over the district. After many boiled ears of corn and hot dogs were consumed pickup quartets formed all around the large wooded yard. After sunset there was a welcome speech from Grand Rapids Chapter President Doug Weaver and a speech of the importance of such chapter events given by District President Brian Dunckel. There was a mini chorus performance by Grand Rapids Chapter Great Lakes Chorus directed by Aaron Bouwman and a mini chorus of the Great Lakes Harmony Brigade. The Pickup Quartet Contest of over a dozen quartets was MCed by Gary Branch. Performances included registered quartet members of Lansing Chapter quartet Olde Thyme Harmony, Break Time (chapter unknown), and the Grand Rapids Chapter quartet Showtime. Also performing were all the members of GR Chapter's 1999 Senior Quartet Champs Shades Of Grey (their bass John Baker is also our host). A special treat was performances by Al Bytwork, one of the few surviving members of the 1953 Great Lakes Chorus International 'Convention' Championship Chorus.


Announcement; MEN'S Night out!! (Sorry Ladies). Come join us in song - "Rain or Shine"! 5$ for Corn, Dogs, Chips and Beverages 8:30pm - Pick up quartet show - Registered Quartets are invited and Extremely encouraged to come. Brigade guys, this is a good time to reconnect with your follow GLHB brethren. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and can of bug spray for extra protection. We sing until the tags, creek, or keg runs dry. (About Midnight normally).


Article from the Grand Rapids Chapter's newsletter "4 Cast" Aug 9th 2010 by John Baker.


Corn Roasting a GLC Tradition. Singing at Smitty's Shack and GLI Afterglow parties at the Pantland Hotel are some stories my grandfather use to tell. But none have lasted longer than the Great Lakes corn Roast. It has resided at the Baker homestead for 36 years now and counting. There was question on when it started at our home - 1973, 74, 75? Well, many of you know I took over the role of Pioneer District Historian. People began dropping off items of interest faster than I could keep up. Digging through some of these items I came across an old 1973 Great Lakes Chorus member directory and calendar. Looking it over I found the last Tuesday, August 28th 1973 - Corn Roast at Herm Baker's. So this will be the 37th year held in the backyard, and I've attended all - Well maybe not all. The first year the Baker children were sent to bed before the party started. Fortunately the boys were sent to the old "Wolf" Camping trailer parked within view of all the activities. With our noses pressed up against the windows, watching and listening to every note and joke. So yes, you could say I attended in spirit. The Corn Roast is much older than 36 years and was not always held on Bauer Rd. It was Jim Horton that convinced my grandfather to hold it on his property in Jenison, when their last place was not available. The GLC Corn Roast simply put - was created for the purpose of replacing one rehearsal night with a night for the 'guys' (hence why no ladies) to reconnect and blow off some steam before their hard work schedule for Fall Contest. It began as - Beer, Dogs, Corn and Tag singing until the cows came home. Other chapters were invited to join in the festivities of the night. Soon a pick up quartet show became the event of the evening spawning new quartets in our society, the first I can remember Black Velvet. Even registered quartets find their way here Detroit Sound Company made it one year. Some quartets we get to see even before they're crowned District Champs, or have a chance to move on as our International Representatives. Comedy quartets, we've had share - From Harmony Hounds to Fool's Gold. Reunions like the Touch of Clash and last year's guests the Extension Chords. So men mark your calendars, August 31st 7pm - bring 'your' lawn chair and appetite for fun. View past pictures from our website www.GreatLakesChorus.org Be part of Grand Rapids' and the District's longest running event, the 37th Great Lakes Chorus/Baker Family Corn Roast.


For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

August 28th 2010 Saturday at 867 Reeds Hollow Grand Rapids MI. The Great Lakes Chorus and a pickup quartet performed a Birthday Sing-Out at the home of our Chapter President Doug Weaver's mother-in-law's for her celebration. She is a long time fan and generous sponsor of the chorus.


For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

August 21st 2010 Gaylord MI. Competing this year were 12 quartets. The Grand Rapids Chapter had quite a few members attend the 1st Great Lakes Harmony Brigade. Taking the extreme quartetting to another competition venue, myself Michael Baribeau, joined with Braiders Joel Klein, Tom Blackstone, and Ray Sturdy. Since we all hailed from different corners of the state we called ourselves Statewide Alert. With only 3 rehearsals together we went to compete at the Gaylord Bush League. We didn't score as well as we hoped but got lots of great support and coaching from The Party tenor Kevin Morey, and lead Toby Shaver, and Al Fisk Music Judge. Also judging was Del Sparks and administrating was Ron Eubank. Also judging were The Party members bass Wally Krause, and bari Mark Spear.


Quartets in order of performance...


Limited Edition, Happy Our, Olde Thyme Harmony Quartet, Lakeshore Four, M-66 Express, The Growlers, Windfall, By Design, Singular, Statewide Alert, Quad Pro Quo, Break Time


Gaylord Harmonie Meisters President Erv Erickson,


Bush League 2010 has come and gone. What a great weekend! Twelve quartets came to Gaylord to test their current skills in the morning contest and to receive coaching in the afternoon by Al Fisk, Del Sparks, and "The Party", all held together by Contest Administrator Ron Eubank.


When all was said and done, the quartet scoring the most points and the recipient of the Bush League Trophy was "The Growlers". Who are they? Well, if you recall hearing or hearing of "Ebb N' Flow", a Collegiate Quartet from Mt Pleasant, you would be close. Their bass could not come, so they asked an "old" experienced bass from their Chorus to stand in. TR Gerard provided the foundation and "The Growlers" wowed the audience and apparently the Judges too.


CONGRATULATIONS TO, "THE GROWLERS".


The Gaylord Harmonie Meisters want to thank the Judges and Coaches for coming North and volunteering their skills and to all of the quartets who came to allow this event to happen.


The Harmonie Meisters are looking forward to hosting Bush League 2011.


Thanks again to all involved!


"The program perpetuates the fun and informal environment of a non-sanctioned competition while allowing quartets to 'fine tune' their skills for performances and for preparation for the fall District Convention and Contest." The Bush League was begun in 1947 and now in it's 62nd year. Bush League is a baseball idiom for the minor leagues and was adopted here tongue-in-cheek for this barbershop competition also because of its restrictions for competing for The Bush League Brass “Gaboon” (spittoon) Trophy . "Quartets that have previously competed in Society sanctioned competitions and placed 3rd or higher may compete FOR SCORE ONLY. They do not qualify to win the Bush League Trophy. Along with all other competing quartets, they are eligible for coaching, craft development and other singing events. This applies also to quartets that have previously won the Bush League Trophy."


Many thanks to our Bush League hosts the Gaylord Harmony Meisters for all the hard work in organizing this affair and keeping the contest with the “Oldest Revolving Trophy in the Society.” going strong!

August 10th, 2010 7pm Lamar Park 2561 Porter St. SW Wyoming Michigan 49509 Wyoming Concerts in the Park Series each Tuesday evening Presented by the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission presents free concerts to the public. The Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter Great Lakes Chorus performs along with Sweet Adeline junior quartet Little Angels and GLC Chapter quartets Showtime, Shades Of Grey, and a Great Lakes Harmony Brigade pickup quartet made up of GLC members.


Performance broadcast on community cable WKTV (Comcast ch25, ATT Uverse ch99 see Kent Community TV)


(excerpt from the Southwest Advance story Free concert series back at Lamar Park by Herb Woerpel)


The Great Lakes Chorus will close the series on Aug. 10. The all-male barbershop chorus was established in 1947 as part of the international Barbershop Harmony Society.


Enrichment Commission co-chair Greg Bryan said the concert series draws more than 800 people each week, "It is an enjoyable event where people can come out, enjoy some great music and meet their neighbors,” he said.


The celebration is nearing its 30th year and is fully funded through donations and sponsors. This year’s primary sponsors include Roman Manufacturing, the Wyoming Senior Fellowship Club, Wyoming Community Foundation, ATL Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Parkwood Pharmacy and politician Dave VanHouten.


Primary sponsor Macatawa Bank brings their Snack Shack and has been known to pass out ice cream and other goodies.


The Concerts are at the north end of Lamar Drive, bring a lawn chair or blanket, get comfortable on the lawn and listen to some great music performed live.


Photos also by Lynn Weaver


For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

Aug 4th, 2010, Porter Hills Village Retirement Community 3600 East Fulton St Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Quartets Shades of Grey and Showtime perform for Porter Hills Annual Summer Celebration and Pig Roast.