Pre-convention activities are underway in Jacksonville ahead of a sold out Midwinter Convention for the Barbershop Harmony Society.

This year's convention has kicked off early with the 2020 Leadership Summit which started on Sunday and will run through Wednesday. Created for leaders of all experience and skill level and passionate barbershoppers alike, attendees are soaking in seminars, breakout sessions, networking, and keynote addresses intended to inspire service under the mission of Everyone in Harmony.

Once the Summit closes, the main event will get underway on Wednesday with contests, shows, education, and community building opportunities starting Wednesday, January 8.

This year's convention will again feature the Junior Quartet Contest, the Next Generation and Seniors Chorus Invitational, and the Seniors Quartet Contest followed by the AISQC Show.

The Junior Quartet Contest, now in its second year, will see fifteen groups cross the stage, all of whom are under the age of eighteen. In the spirit of "Everyone in Harmony," this contest is open to all male, all female, and mixed quartets, as is the Next Generation Chorus Invitational. The Junior Quartet Contest is the first show of the Convention, starting at 4 pm EST on Thursday. Wanna get a glimpse of just how talented tomorrow's barbershop starts are? Check out videos of last year's competitors, some as young as elementary school.

Starting at 11 am and 5 pm EST on Friday, the Next Generation Junior Choruses and Seniors Choruses will perform together in one show over two sessions. The audience will be treated to 21 performance by the youngest and oldest singers in BHS, as well as the presentation of this year's NAfME award and a swan song from Wildfire - the 2019 Next Generation Varsity Quartet Champions.

And finally, the Seniors Quartet Contest, featuring singers 55 and up, will showcase 27 of the world's top experienced barbershoppers. Last year's champions, DoubleDouble, will open the show and Wildfire will present a song premier after the first intermission. After the contest portion ends, the AISQC show will feature past Senior Quartet Champions before the new champion is named. The contest begins at 11 am on Saturday.

As if this incredible showcase of lifelong singing weren't enough, BHS has also arranged for performances from the top FIVE quartets from the 2019 International Contest. On Thursday evening at 7:30 pm EST, the Opening Showcase will feature 2019 Quartet Champions, Signature, as well as champions across all barbershop organizations, and 5th place medalists, Midtown. The Four Freshman will headline the final show of the convention at 7:30 pm EST on Saturday, which will also feature Throwback, Quorum, Rooftop Records, the new Senior Quartet Champions, and several combined choruses. As always, special guests are expected in both shows.

With the event completely sold out, you can still join in the action right here on FloVoice where we'll be broadcast all shows and contests. And if you're already feeling the FOMO, t's not too early to register for the 2020 International Convention which starts on June 28th in Los Angeles.