Wombat in Anaheim - Mark your calendars!

[BRWombat]

Okay, folks, I've got a few details for you. This summer I'll be in Anaheim with the Vocal Majority chorus, as part of the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Convention. The VM is competing for our unprecedented 12th gold medal (and 11th in a row), and I'd love for as many of you as can to be in the crowd cheering for me!

The convention runs from June 28 - July 5, and there are typically 10-11,000 people attending. The headquarters hotel of the convention will be the Anaheim Hilton (right next to the convention center, though we aren't using the convention center). I and the rest of VM will be staying and rehearsing at the Sheraton Park Anaheim, right next to the Hilton.

The competitions will be held at the Honda Center. Here's the line-up:
[INDENT]Wednesday, July 1 - Quartet Quarter-finals (2 sessions)
Thursday, July 2 - Quartet Semi-finals
Friday, July 3 - Chorus competition (2 sessions - VM sings #7 in the first session)
Saturday, July 4 - Quartet Finals[/INDENT]
For unlimited access to all competition sessions, you'd need a convention registration, which runs $175 -- however, closer to the convention dates they'll start offering single-day admissions to locals, and you can typically get into just the chorus competition for $30-40. (Watch the BHS websitefor details.)

But you can still get a lot of entertainment for free while we're in town. First, the Vocal Majority will be rehearsing on Wednesday evening beginning at 7 p.m., and then most of the day Thursday. We typically set up in a ballroom with 500+ chairs for spectators, and it's free and open to anyone (not just convention attendees) to come watch/listen. But be aware, sometimes our rehearsals become standing room only!

Second, with this many barbershoppers in town, there's impromptu singing everywhere. If you just hang around in the various hotels we're in, especially the Hilton headquarters, you'll hear a lot of fine singing. (And don't be surprised if it spills over into the streets and even in the parks!)

As for Disneyland, I'll be done with the convention on the 5th but will be staying with my family an extra few days to recuperate and sight-see. I won't be planning much in the way of actual get-togethers since time is limited, but if regulars here will let me know closer to time where I can find you I'll try to meet you and say 'hi'!

[mechurchlady]

I have a trip to New Hamshire scheduled that weekend. I am going only to prove that I am not what they say I am. I set and cried one day when I so wanted to go to WDW but was spending another $1000 to go where I am not happy.

If Wallaby could make sure I got them tickets then I would have a reason to drop my New Hampshire trip. I rather be here with friends or at WDW with friends. I would pay for my ticket of course but I rather meet a wombat than go to a convention that is sad and boring.

Do the have diet regular popcorn?
Hugs Wombat and glad to hear you are going to perform.

[Purpura]

I'll PM The one and only BRWombat my schedule when I get it. Hope you'll have computer access!

[DisneyMom]

Wow! Thanks for the Heads Up! But JULY 4 Weekend!
Free Rehearsals during the week sound great, hmmmmmmm....... ;)

[lady ulrike]

Remind me when it gets closer and I'll let you know my schedule.

[BRWombat]

Thanks - will do!

[Big Wallaby]

I wish I could be there. That would be a lot of fun.

When are you guys gonna be in Orlando? When you do, let me know. I'm sure my church would love to have you.

[mechurchlady]

I will have to wait until March to get tickets if any are left. Calvin said he would love to go but he only can stand a few days of any type of music except maybe bluegrass. Dude loves comedies, shows, and especially music. He has a lovely voice too. He just came from a cruise where the spend a lot of time doing bluegrass music.

[BRWombat]

I wish I could be there. That would be a lot of fun.

When are you guys gonna be in Orlando? When you do, let me know. I'm sure my church would love to have you.

I'd love to have VM hit Florida. That would be awesome. Don't know when it might happen, though.

I will have to wait until March to get tickets if any are left. Calvin said he would love to go but he only can stand a few days of any type of music except maybe bluegrass. Dude loves comedies, shows, and especially music. He has a lovely voice too. He just came from a cruise where the spend a lot of time doing bluegrass music.

Calvin sounds a lot like one of my uncles -- he plays banjo and goes to a lot of bluegrass shows. I got him and my aunt to a VM show a year ago and they loved it, enough that they've donated to the group and are seriously considering coming to Anaheim for the convention.

Calvin might want to look into visiting a local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. It's a good group of guys, lots of fun, and there's a broad spectrum of groups within the Society -- some are more chorus-oriented, some more towards quartets, some work hard for shows or competitions, while others get together just for fun. He'd probably have a blast.

[BRWombat]

Hey all, here is a taste of what our gathering is like. This is the trailer for a new documentary, hopefully coming to a theater near you soon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koAjpEpFVMs