More than 10,000 close-harmony singers and guests from around the world will bring their unique brand of music to Kansas City this summer, when the Barbershop Harmony Society meets for its 62nd-annual convention, July 2-9, 2000

Contests, shows and clinics will highlight the summer meeting of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA), the world's largest all-male singing organization.

The wholesome, family-oriented activities of the barbershop convention are open to all. "You just won't find a happier group of people than Barbershoppers," said SPEBSQSA Convention Manager John Schneider. "Wherever we go, we're told we're one of the best conventions the city has ever hosted. Everyone comes for one reason: to share the love of harmony and friendship that is the very heart of barbershopping."

Hotel lobbies and restaurants will ring with the sound of impromptu harmony, and an atmosphere of uncommon good cheer will prevail. The convention crowd is expected to bring about $10 million into the local economy.

The week's activities open with the CELEBRATE YOUTH ICE CREAM SOCIAL Tuesday, July 4. Combining the fun of an old-fashioned sing-along with the excitement of young barbershop quartets, the FREE event showcases the commitment to young singers that is the cornerstone of SPEBSQSA's service project, SingAmerica. The INTERNATIONAL QUARTET CONTEST opens in the Kemper Arena Wednesday, July 5, with 44 quartets from the USA, Canada, Great Britain and Sweden competing for the world championship. The top 20 quartets return for the semi-finals Thursday night, with the top ten survivors battling it out in the Saturday night finals.

A Thursday noontime MASSED SING will draw more than 7,000 singers together for a FREE concert on "Harmony Lane" (formerly called Barney Allis Plaza). Everyone is welcome to hear some great performances, and share the fun of singing as a community.

Champion quartets and choruses from eight separate men's and women's organizations are featured in the WORLD HARMONY JAMBOREE at the Kansas City Music Hall Thursday, July 6 at 1 p.m.. The 1999 world-champion quartet, FRED, headlines the gala concert, along with men's choruses from England, Sweden and Japan, and women's champions from Sweet Adelines International and Harmony Incorporated.

Young singers from across North America take the stage in the finals of the MBNA America Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Contest Friday, July 7 at 10 a.m. in the Marriott Hotel.. Twenty-four top collegiate quartets will vie for the title, captured last year by Station 59 from the University of Florida in Gainesville.

The major public event of the week,. SPEBSQSA's ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS show, takes place Friday, July 7, with performances at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Midland Theater. The show includes a tribute to the Buffalo Bills quartet, and celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the quartet’s championship. The foursome is remembered for its appearances in the Broadway and film versions of The Music Man.

More than 1,200 men will take the stage Saturday, July 8, for the INTERNATIONAL CHORUS CONTEST. The MASTERS OF HARMONY, 1999 champion, will sing away the trophy to the best of 23 competing choruses from the USA, Canada, Great Britain and Sweden. Immediately following the contest, the 300-member FATHER/SON/GRANDSON CHORUS will perform.

The INTERNATIONAL QUARTET CONTEST FINALS begin at 7 p.m. Saturday night, to select the Society’s newest quartet champion.

And at the end of it all, hospitality rooms and hotel lobbies will ring with the sound of good close harmony throughout the night.

A convention registration is required for admission to contest sessions. These may be purchased in advance by calling SPEBSQSA at 800-876-SING, or during the convention at the headquarters in the Marriott Hotel. Show tickets for the MBNA America Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Contest and the World Harmony Jamboree are available in advance by calling SPEBSQSA at (800) 876-SING, or at the door.

Print stories and photographs, and video and audio feeds featuring top contenders and contest footage will be available. Contact local affiliates for footage, or call Reed Sampson at 800-876-7464 x 8592 for further information.