Barbershopping Since 1987
Barbershopping was first brought to Wilmington in 1982 when George Booth agreed to lead a group of friends. Their plans to become affiliated with SPEBSQSA never came about and the group folded in 1983.
Then in 1986 at the local golf course, a chance meeting of Ernie Eddy and Robbie Benson again revived the idea of forming a barbershop chapter in Wilmington. Throughout their round of golf they discussed the continued interest of the original group to try again to interest area men in forming a chapter. This time, through the tireless efforts of these dedicated and talented men, the Cape Fear Chordsmen emerged with a core group of 20 members and in July 1987, the Society gave its go ahead to organize the chapter.
On April 21, 1988 the Cape Fear Chordsmen, Chapter Q040, was issued a charter. Two days later they performed their first show titled, “The Way We Were” at the Roland Grise Auditorium featuring “Class Act”.
Fast forward to 2023 and the Cape Fear Chordsmen are alive and well after nearly two years of not rehearsing due to the Covid Pandemic.We currently have 25 dedicated members rehearsing and performing in the Wilmington area. Our 35th annual show, “Message in a Bottle” was staged on June 3rd at the Pine Valley UMC Auditorium under the direction of Bryan Hughes.
We gather for a fun filled night every Tuesday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Temple Baptist Church, 1801 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403. Guests are always WELCOME. Most nights upon completion of our singing festivities, there is a “mini Afterglow” at a local beer hall for beverage and social time together.
