The performing chorus pictured at the top of this blog is the
most public face of the MVE. However, many of the members of the Midwest
Vocal Express are involved in what can be considered the purest form of
barbershopping – the quartet. One of
those members is John "Bo" Gibson, and he has been barbershopping for
a lo-o-o-ng time.
Bo performs regularly with Easy Days at the Harmony Inn the Village in Greendale , WI Americana
Shown are photos of Bo (in the middle) with the quartet at the
Monday night rehearsal, the quartet in their ready room and with Maestro Marvin
Hamlisch.
Since the quartet appeared nameless, the Maestro made one up
for the quartet during the first performance right in front of 2200 people - Below
The Town. It was the humorous opposite
to the bluegrass group, Above The Town, that also performed on the program. The Maestro’s interview schtick before and/or
after they sang helped the foursome have even more fun in those brief minutes
singing "This Land is Your Land" linked to "America the
Beautiful." Audiences, the Maestro,
Lee Erickson (the MSO Chorus
director) and management offstage were all beaming every time.
After the performances, the quartet sent out an email about
Bo, saying, “His willingness to work with us, his generosity of time, and
kindly manner were simply awesome--and it showed in the 3 performances. Special thanks go to Bo!”
Bo – thanks for all you do for barbershop and the MVE!
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