[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 61-03, July - September, 2007 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Songfest 2007

By Cecil McBeth, Suburbanaires member

The true meaning of Songfest can best be described by a tongue-in-cheek speech that I made to my new son-in-law at his wedding reception a few years ago. In part I said “Marriage, as far as I’m concerned, is one of the most wonderful, heartwarming and satisfying experiences a human being can have. I’ve only been married 35-years so I haven’t seen that side of it yet.”

I believe the same analogy could apply to barbershop harmony in general, and to Songfest in particular.

Although the past 28-years spent in this great hobby have been very enjoyable and rewarding, I am now able to understand and appreciate even more the dedication and hard work of so many gifted and talented people.

Songfest is a time to meet new friends, rekindle old friendships and listen to, and even sing, the “Old Songs.”

Songfest provides a venue for quartets, small groups and choruses, to perform in front of an appreciative audience without the pressure of competition.

There were performers from St. Catharines, St. Thomas, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Barrie, Scarborough, North and East York, Markham and Oshawa.

There are so many great guys in this hobby who have “been there — done that” and who still continue to get involved.

Last June, at Songfest, four of these exceptional people were each presented with a plaque, recognizing their 50-years in barbershopping. They were Art Trott, Ron Whiteside, Ross Sutherland and
Ed Russell.

Ross Gilbert, a member of the old Markham Chapter and the Suburbanaires, was recognized as the oldest participating Ontario District singer at 88-years young.

Congratulations to all these fine gentlemen.

Although I enjoyed all the performances, some of the tight chords by the Timbertones were reminiscent of the early 50s and brought back some personal memories.

Our own icon, George Shields, said grace and Joe Daybell, our new emcee following Al Davis’ lead, kept the program on schedule. Great job, Joe!

Thanks also to our talented Trillium Editor, Waldo Redekop, for taking the time to attend Songfest.

The gang singing and tag teaching were handled by some of our finest: Ontario District President Chuck Alexander, Jim Rehill, John Anderson, Bruce Bonnyman and Ron Whiteside.

It was great to have the Tri-City Gospel Quartet as well as the Golden Horseshoe Afternoon Chorus perform for the first time.

A huge thank you to the organizing committee which included Des Goodley, Jim Lyon, Robbie Rhodes, Ross Sutherland, Willie Watt and Chairman Joe Daybell, for the set up, take down and everything in between. A lot of work. Bob Burrell taught them well!

Following a delicious dinner, the evening was officially closed by two of the nicest arm-swingers in the business, Milt Rainey and Roy Keys. Pick up quartets continued to perform everywhere, until the sweepers pushed them out the doors.

Remember to keep Wednesday, June 4, 2008, open for the next Songfest. Same location. Hope to see you there.     k