37th Corn Roast

August 31st 2010 Tuesday @ 7pm. 2765 Bauer Rd, 49428 The 37th GLC/Baker Family Corn Roast.

A smaller turn out this year than in past but still an enthusiastic bunch from chapters all over the district. After many boiled ears of corn and hot dogs were consumed pickup quartets formed all around the large wooded yard. After sunset there was a welcome speech from Grand Rapids Chapter President Doug Weaver and a speech of the importance of such chapter events given by District President Brian Dunckel. There was a mini chorus performance by Grand Rapids Chapter Great Lakes Chorus directed by Aaron Bouwman and a mini chorus of the Great Lakes Harmony Brigade. The Pickup Quartet Contest of over a dozen quartets was MCed by Gary Branch. Performances included registered quartet members of Lansing Chapter quartet Olde Thyme Harmony, Break Time (chapter unknown), and the Grand Rapids Chapter quartet Showtime. Also performing were all the members of GR Chapter's 1999 Senior Quartet Champs Shades Of Grey (their bass John Baker is also our host). A special treat was performances by Al Bytwork, one of the few surviving members of the 1953 Great Lakes Chorus International 'Convention' Championship Chorus.

Announcement; MEN'S Night out!! (Sorry Ladies). Come join us in song - "Rain or Shine"! 5$ for Corn, Dogs, Chips and Beverages 8:30pm - Pick up quartet show - Registered Quartets are invited and Extremely encouraged to come. Brigade guys, this is a good time to reconnect with your follow GLHB brethren. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and can of bug spray for extra protection. We sing until the tags, creek, or keg runs dry. (About Midnight normally).

Article from the Grand Rapids Chapter's newsletter "4 Cast" Aug 9th 2010 by John Baker.

Corn Roasting a GLC Tradition. Singing at Smitty's Shack and GLI Afterglow parties at the Pantland Hotel are some stories my grandfather use to tell. But none have lasted longer than the Great Lakes corn Roast. It has resided at the Baker homestead for 36 years now and counting. There was question on when it started at our home - 1973, 74, 75? Well, many of you know I took over the role of Pioneer District Historian. People began dropping off items of interest faster than I could keep up. Digging through some of these items I came across an old 1973 Great Lakes Chorus member directory and calendar. Looking it over I found the last Tuesday, August 28th 1973 - Corn Roast at Herm Baker's. So this will be the 37th year held in the backyard, and I've attended all - Well maybe not all. The first year the Baker children were sent to bed before the party started. Fortunately the boys were sent to the old "Wolf" Camping trailer parked within view of all the activities. With our noses pressed up against the windows, watching and listening to every note and joke. So yes, you could say I attended in spirit. The Corn Roast is much older than 36 years and was not always held on Bauer Rd. It was Jim Horton that convinced my grandfather to hold it on his property in Jenison, when their last place was not available. The GLC Corn Roast simply put - was created for the purpose of replacing one rehearsal night with a night for the 'guys' (hence why no ladies) to reconnect and blow off some steam before their hard work schedule for Fall Contest. It began as - Beer, Dogs, Corn and Tag singing until the cows came home. Other chapters were invited to join in the festivities of the night. Soon a pick up quartet show became the event of the evening spawning new quartets in our society, the first I can remember Black Velvet. Even registered quartets find their way here Detroit Sound Company made it one year. Some quartets we get to see even before they're crowned District Champs, or have a chance to move on as our International Representatives. Comedy quartets, we've had share - From Harmony Hounds to Fool's Gold. Reunions like the Touch of Clash and last year's guests the Extension Chords. So men mark your calendars, August 31st 7pm - bring 'your' lawn chair and appetite for fun. View past pictures from our website www.GreatLakesChorus.org Be part of Grand Rapids' and the District's longest running event, the 37th Great Lakes Chorus/Baker Family Corn Roast.

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.