Grammy-winning The Fairfield Four + All-Star Quartet Crossroads Celebrate African-American Influence on Quartet Harmony in Showcase Performance July 9

The free "Saturday Night Spectacular" Concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena part of Barbershop Harmony Society's weeklong international convention, July 3-10

 

Crossroads and The Fairfield Four have appeared together at many education events, exploring the heritage barbershop and gospel share in the African-American music of the late 19th century. During "The Saturday Night Spectacular," they will share musical history, trade riffs, and demonstrate the heritage of vocal close harmony that traveled different paths to create the gospel quartet style and the barbershop quartet style. Collaborations between these two groups reunite both musical and cultural strands to create new sounds and friendships.

"The Saturday Night Spectacular" will be held at the Bridgestone Arena at 5:30pm. Hosts for the evening include Deke Sharon, called "The Godfather of Modern A Cappella," having served as a producer/arranger for NBC's "The Sing-Off" and for three Pitch Perfect films; Dr. Tim Sharp, executive director of the American Choral Directors Association; and Barbershop Harmony Society CEO Marty Monson.

For the complete schedule and FREE tickets to "The Saturday Night Spectacular," visit barbershop.org/betterworld.

Crossroads won the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Quartet Championship in 2009, and each of the group's singers is a two-time BHS gold medalist. They are recipients of the National Association for Music Education's Stand for Music Award, and bass singer Dr. Jim Henry presented his doctoral dissertation on "The African-American Roots of Barbershop Harmony." The group has made multiple appearances on national television.

One of the first nationally popular gospel quartets, The Fairfield Four began 95 years ago at Nashville's Fairfield Baptist Church. They are recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Award. They also have won several Grammys, including the 2016 Gospel Album of the Year. This is in addition to one for Album of the Year as part of the soundtrack for the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? They've also appeared on albums by Dolly Parton, John Fogerty and many others.

Additional events on A Better World Singing Day will include a morning gospel sing at First Baptist Church and free concerts and a MEGAsing in Walk of Fame Park. The ticketed World Harmony Jamboree also will be held at Music City Center during the day. A Better World Singing Day will conclude with the Top 10 Quartet Finals at Bridgestone Arena and the crowning of a new BHS International Quartet Champion.

The vision of A Better World Singing Day is to help everyone reclaim the joy of singing together as a means of building bonds of community. "The Saturday Night Spectacular" will showcase performers from around the world, top choruses and quartets, culminating in a featured appearance by these two legendary performers. More than a concert, it is a journey through the way music brings us together, supports us in joy and grieving, reflects our times, and points us to a future of free expression of our shared values.

For more information and tickets, please visit barbershop.org/nashville.

About Barbershop Harmony Society: 

The purpose of the organization is to celebrate harmony in the barbershop style, promote fellowship and friendship, provide the opportunity to experience the joy of four-part a cappella singing, and to introduce and sustain music in the lives of people everywhere.

Website: barbershop.org

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