To Fresno…And Beyond!

I don’t like competitions. I hate dressing up. And, I hate the heat.

And yet, I put on a full tux in the heat, and performed at the Far Western District–Northwest Division competition on Saturday in Fresno for the first time.

“It is going to be HOT in the Fresno area.” Ugh. Maybe it won’t be that hot? HA! I had decided at the last minute not to go. However, I blurted out to “a little birdie” (name withheld to protect the guilty) of my intentions not to go. “Oh, you gotta to go! We need you!” I think “birdie” figured out that I have a low threshold for guilt. Word got out and before long, two “deep voiced warblers” made sure that this was an offer I should be reluctant to refuse. One made me give his word, sealing the deal. I hate going back on my word.
With a last-minute rush to juggle other commitments, Saturday found me driving Highway 99 towards a place that only well-watered vegetables should inhabit (and three hours to get there) Fresno. I was there early but the heat had a head start, and was everywhere. Everywhere. Stifling, mind-numbing scary heat; no breeze, please. I sought refuge in an air-conditioned Carl’s Jr. The few people I saw out in that heat were rebels.

At the appointed time, I coordinated with my fellow barbershoppers for dress. A polyester suit is not unlike wearing a plastic bag. But thick walls were keeping the heat at bay. I would like to thank my “B-shoppers” who showed that proper dress is in the details. I’m not big on submitting to a group dynamic, but there is something to be said for 30 guys all dressed up. We looked good.

Warm ups, shuffling from room to room, and it leads to this: a ranking for the Far West Division. Backstage. To our position on the risers, like birds on a wire. Demaster Survine in front; let’s go. Bring your game face. Keep is smooth. Smile. (What else am I supposed to do?) It was dark and I couldn’t see individual faces, so I focused on the overhead microphones. Two songs, it was over.

“Most Improved goes to New Dimension Chorus, Hayward” I was sitting in the back section, wiped out from the heat, chomping at the bit to be on the road. The “deep voiced warbler” to whom I gave my word to be here, asked me (I think) what I thought of the day’s events. I don’t recall what I said, but he later said, “Man, you were grouchy!” I shook some hands (some were barbershoppers), and left.

Did I have fun? Did I enjoy myself? I didn’t even think about it on the drive back-at least the sun went down. After a long shower, and the distance of a week, I can say that I enjoyed myself. And I can’t wait to do it again. Thanks, guys. Proud to be a barbershopper!!