In the early 1950s, when Wayne Hanson and John Sketchley were teenagers growing up in Lynn, the two friends often sang songs by the popular guy groups of the day, like The Aces, Thee Four Lads and The Freshmen. Hanson and Sketchley took regular road trips in Sketchley's 1937 Plymouth to go fishing or skiing, and they would harmonize in the car during the long rides.
More than 50 years later, the boyhood friends still sing together — in a barbershop quartet, The Village Voices, and with The Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus. Both groups will perform Saturday afternoon at The Northshoremen's 60th annual concert at Beverly High School, along with several other groups from around the region.
"I've always been extra thankful for old friends, and it's great to have friends like this," Hanson said recently while sitting at the dining room table of his Beverly home after The Village Voices' weekly rehearsal. Hanson, 70, a tenor, was seated with the rest of his quartet, Sketchley, 71, of Lynn, a lead; Jack Dowd, 71, of Beverly, bass; and Bob LeJune, 68, of Boxford, baritone. All are also members of The Northshoremen.
The Village Voices sing four-part harmonies of traditional songs such as "Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters; "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now," popularized by Ray Charles and Perry Como; and "Dear Hearts and Gentle People," recorded by Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore. They also sing modern songs like "The Rose" by Bette Midler and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," written by Elton John for the Broadway show "The Lion King."
According to Dowd, The Village Voices are hired for a couple of shows a month. They've sung at churches, backyard barbecues and assisted living homes. They've even performed on a retired Navy vessel and each year appear at the Marblehead Christmas Walk. On Valentine's Day, the Voices — along with several other quartets from The Northshoremen — are hired out and the money goes back to the 60-member chorus' charity fund.
Besides The Village Voices, Saturday's concert will feature performances by other singing groups, such as Chordially Yours, the SOHO HUMS, The Jewel Tones — a coed a cappella group made of up Marblehead High School students — and Our Town, said to be one of the top quartets in New England.
Saturday's focus will be on The Northshoremen's 60th anniversary performance, which is being billed as "Through the Years." The chorus has never missed producing an annual show since its incorporation in 1948, and the choice of music will span those six decades, according to Welch, who joked that the group's average age is "old."
Many Northshoremen have been in the chorus for decades and forged strong friendships, Dowd said.
"It's a very friendly group; people care about each other," Dowd said. "When somebody gets sick, you never know who's going to pop into the hospital room next (or) send flowers or a card."
Barbershop singers are different, he added.
"It's a certain breed of person that gives a damn. ... There's a camaraderie that guys have."
If you go
What: The Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus' 60th annual Barbershop Harmony Show, "Through the Years," featuring Our Town, The Jewel Tones, Chordially Yours, The SOHO HUMS and The Village Voices
When: Saturday, May 3, at 3 p.m.
Where: Beverly High School Auditorium, Sohier Road, Exit 19 off Route 128
Cost: $15
Information: Call 978-927-0522 or 978-927-7894
