Crossroads, the 2009 Barbershop Harmony Society International Champion Quartet, will appear at the Golf Capital Chorus' annual show at the Pinecrest High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6.

The members of Crossroads are an interesting group. All four have sung in other champion quartets, and have family histories of barbershopping. Fred Farrell, Mike Slamka and Jim Henry all joined their fathers in the family hobby before the age of 12. Brandon Guyton got a late start. He didn't begin until he was 15.

The four originally got together to sing for fun, but it didn't take long to decide to compete.

"After all, if you're going to commit 20 weekends a year to practice and get your families involved, it would be nice to have something to show for it," says a member.

Crossroads will be the latest in a long line of champion quartets presented by the Golf Capital Chorus. The chorus presents its annual show on the first Saturday in November. This occasion represents the largest fundraising event in the chorus' annual calendar.

This year's program is titled "Barbershop Goes to the Movies," and features well-known songs from motion pictures over the years. Songs include "Over the Rainbow," "It Had to be You," Moon River," "There is Nothin' Like a Dame" and many more. Last year, the chorus contributed more than $25,000 to local charities, and hopes to top that amount this year.

"This contribution is made possible by loyal advertisers in the show program, and by the hundreds of people who attend the show annually," says a spokesman.

The Golf Capital Chorus was formed in 1980 by four men in the bar at the Pine Crest Inn, and has grown over the years to more than 50 voices. Membership does not require a trained voice, or even much singing experience. It does require the ability to sing a part, and the enthusiasm to participate in community activities. The chorus performs regularly at nursing homes, civic events and private functions. It also maintains a fundraising singing Valentine program, with quartets traveling all over the county to perform.

Practice is at 7 p.m. every Monday evening at the Community Presbyterian Church. Guests and prospective members are always welcome.

Tickets for this year's show are available from any chorus member, at the Campbell House, or from Vern Pherson at (910) 246-6551.