Barbershop singing extravaganza coming to castlebar

THE Irish Association of Barbershop Singers is bringing its annual convention of barbershop singing to Castlebar from October 2 to 4.

Throughout the weekend there will be a feast of a cappella (no instrumental accompaniment) singing by four or more singers to be heard on the streets, in pubs and restaurants, and, of course, in the Royal Theatre. 

The theatre will be the base for international competitions on Friday and Saturday, with a concert of fabulous entertainment on both evenings too. 

Some of the very best barbershop singers from the UK, Europe and the US will be featuring. If you have not heard barbershop singing in its true form before, you are in for a treat!

The Irish Association of Barbershop Singers would love to see local Mayo choirs and singing groups participating in the Friday night concert and contest. This evening is open to all entertainers who can sing a cappella. The challenge is to provide a package of entertainment, singing a cappella, for seven minutes or less.

Local choirs and groups who feel they could rise to the challenge are urged to register by July 1 on www.iabsconvention.com for the Friday night concert. It’s all in the name of fun and harmony - and tickets for the concerts will be very reasonably priced to encourage people from Mayo and the western counties to enjoy the experience and to spread the love of close harmony a cappella singing.

For further details on the convention and the concerts, email iabsconvention2015@gmail.com.