Dave Jacobs's blog

In the Community: Singing Valentines

0

Valentine's Day has come and gone. On a day when love was in the air, the Barbergators Chorus spent the day filling the air with the harmonious sounds of barbershop chords.

The chorus spent Friday, Feb 13th and Saturday, Feb 14th delivering messages of love. Quartets and larger ensembles traveled around Gainesville singing songs like "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and 'I Love You Truly" to unsuspecting loved ones all around town.

One of the most special deliveries included a Singing Valentine to a young lady whose boyfriend is stationed overseas. "He's deployed [overseas]. I thought we weren't going to be able to do anything for Valentine's!", she told the quartet. She posted this video on TikTok.

David Nations - Barbergator of the Year - 2025

0

Congratulations to David Nations, our 2025 Barbergator of the Year!
The award was announced Wednesday night at this year's Installation Ceremony and Dinner at Cypress and Grove Brewing.

David earned this award "in recognition of outstanding dedication, exemplary service, and significant contributions to the Barbergators Chorus" as voted on by the membership.

David joined the Barbergators Chorus in 2021 and has been a go-to guy ever since. He is a member of our baritone section. Sings both baritone and bass in quartets.
He has served on the chapter board as Secretary (2024-2024) and VP Music and Performance (2025). He also serves as our chapter librarian. (He saw the need and took over.)

Songfest 2025: A Free Celebration of A Cappella and Choral Music in Gainesville

0

Gainesville, FL – March 28, 2025
The Barbergators Chorus is thrilled to announce Songfest 2025, a free concert and festival celebrating the vibrant a cappella and choral music scene in Gainesville. This event will take place on Tuesday, April 10th, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, located at 419 NE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601.

Songfest 2025 promises an evening of exceptional vocal performances, showcasing the talent and diversity of local ensembles. Each group, including the host Barbergators Chorus, will present a two-song set, offering a dynamic and engaging musical experience for all attendees. The performance order will be randomly selected on stage, adding an exciting element of spontaneity to the event.

Singing Valentines!

0

Singing Valentines Return to the Gainesville Area

Why give your sweetheart candy and a card when you can give them a Valentine’s experience they’ll remember for a lifetime? The Barbergators Chorus’s popular Singing Valentines barbershop quartets are back in 2026 for Valentine’s Day to surprise and serenade sweethearts and loved ones on February 13^th and 14^th.

For over 16 years, foursomes of experienced barbershop singers from the Barbergators Chorus have been delighting valentines throughout the greater Gainesville area with their personality and unique vocal styles.

Holiday Harmonies to Support Stop Children's Cancer

0

The Barbergators Chorus and Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus are proud to announce that Stop Children's Cancer will be our charity partner for Holiday Harmonies XI.

Downtown Fall Arts Festival

0

The Barbergators are no strangers to performing on the Bo Diddley Plaza Stage. We've done sung there for many Downtown Fall Arts Festivals. But this year we committed to the whole weekend!

We were privileged to be the opening entertainers on the main event stage, followed by our friends the Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus. (Here's a video of part of their performance!)

Barbergators at Pride Festival

0

The Barbergators were proud to participate in our very first Gainesville Pride Festival on Saturday, September 28th!
Pride Festival was held in Downtown Gainesville in and around Bo Diddley Plaza.

We tabled at the event, handed out flyers, sang, and even taught tags to willing passers-by. AND, we performed a 20 minute set on the main festival stage!
It was great to meet a variety of people who we may never have met anywhere else! And to spread barbershop harmony to a new audience.

Summer Audition/Recruitment Night

0

Thanks to all who came out to our Summer Audition/Recruitment night on Tuesday, July 23rd!
It was great to welcome some wonderful singers who ALL seemed excited for an opportunity to join the chorus!

Mayor Proclaims "Barbergators Chorus Day"

0

We are proud to announce that, in response to a request by Dave Jacobs, chapter president, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward Jr. issued a proclamation in observance of the Barbergators' 50th Anniversary show. The proclamation designated April 26, 2024 as "Barbergators Chorus Day" in the City of Gainesville!

The proclamation reads:
WHEREAS, the Barbershop Harmony Society was founded on April 11, 1938 for the purpose of preserving and encouraging barbershop quartets to sing [sic] in America. The Barbergators Chorus was chartered in 1973 as the Gainesville Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society and has been a part of the Gainesville Community for over 50 years; and

Celebrate our 50th Anniversary with us!

0

Celebrate 50 years of 4-part harmony with the Barbergators Chorus at our 50th Anniversary Show, April 27th at 7pm!

The show will feature Wise Guys, Time of Our Lives, the Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus, and the Barbergators Chorus! Barbershop harmony at it's best!

"Wise Guys" is a crazy fun quartet with a big sound and great comic timing! They entertain every audience! Wise Guys began their journey in 1996, winning the Sunshine District Championship in 1998. After a couple of part changes, they won again in 2007, and recently came our of retirement to entertain audiences once again. Chad, Mark, Aaron, and Brett can't wait to sing for you!

Follow us