Chris Lowrey
SHAWVILLE April 27, 2019
The Anglican Church Hall in Shawville was a popular spot on Saturday evening as The Valley Harmonizers brought their barbershop chorus performance to the Pontiac.
The 18 performers were made up of gentlemen from all over the valley, from Deep River to Renfrew. The group volunteers their time and travels the region performing at luncheons, churches and seniors homes.
The event was held as a fundraiser for the new furnace and air conditioning at the parish.
The Valley Harmonizers started in the mid-seventies, according to long-time member Doug Sidock. He joined the group out of the gate when it started, but work drew him away for a while. Now that he’s retired, he has more time to devote to his passion.
“We enjoy singing for groups and churches and bringing back the memories of yesteryear,” Sidock said.
Sidock said the group is open to just about anyone, no matter the walk of life.
“It’s open to everybody that enjoys singing,” he said. “We have everyone from doctors to lawyers to guys who worked on the railroads.”
He said it was a great way for the guys to get together once a week for a regular dose of camaraderie.
They usually perform two full shows per year – both of which are coming up on May 5 and 10, respectively – but made an exception and made Shawville the first of three.
It was a special show for one Valley Harmonizer.
“This is where my ancestors settled five generations ago,” said White Lake resident Bill Connelly.
The group started the show with “We’re From the Valley,” a number that left no doubt for the audience where the guys come from.
