This is THE week, if you’re a barbershopper. Every July, thousands (though fewer every year) of men and the women who tolerate them flock to some unsuspecting city for the international barbershop convention, which also features the international quartet and chorus contests. This year, the big event is in Toronto, Canada.
For almost a dozen years, much of my personal identity was tied to a rather arcane form of music called barbershop harmony. Earlier this year, I left “the hobby,” as many barbershoppers call it. I actually watched part of the collegiate quartet contest last night, and found myself both missing and not missing the yearly event. I wish I was there, but at the same time, I’m happy as a “recovering barbershopper.”