Strictly Barbershop – An Evening with SPECS APPEAL and OFF THE RECORD

Come along and experience the magic and fun of close-harmony Barbershop singing! This is the first time SPECS APPEAL and OFF THE RECORD have appeared on the same bill and sung together as an octet. During the evening they’ll be teaching the audience a ‘tag’ (the last part of a barbershop song), so YOU will have a chance to sing Barbershop too!

About The Performers

Based in South Gloucestershire, SPECS APPEAL have been singing together since 2018. Amy usually sings the melody; Kate covers the lower harmony; Hannah, tenor, sings the high harmonies, and Becky, baritone, sings all the other notes that no-one else wants! Being able to sing isn’t the only requirement to be a part of this quartet – bad eyesight and owning a natty pair of spectacles is a must!

All four members belong to Bristol Fashion Chorus and to LABBS, the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers, regularly taking part in the annual LABBS convention in October – a whole weekend of glorious song and harmony. They have a wonderfully eclectic repertoire, from pop songs and favourites from the world of musical theatre to a very special madrigal with a twist. Although they rehearse diligently they are also firm friends, and practice is always accompanied by chat, laughter, tea and cake!

OFF THE RECORD are: Paul on lead, Hugh on bass, Tom on tenor and Hayden on baritone. Their repertoire ranges from classic barbershop arrangements to contemporary arrangements showcasing their versatility and musicianship. The group have been singing together since before the days of Covid, when most rehearsals took place out of doors, competing with the sound of local lawnmowers. All four are current or former members of the Great Western Chorus of Bristol, and the group have been semi-finalists in the National Barbershop Quartet competition for the last two years running.