Land of the Sky is the Asheville chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society and is composed of 45 members, primarily from Western North Carolina, with a few from South Carolina, said Ross Turman, who sings baritone for the group.

Friday night’s concert is free, but donations will be accepted to support the group’s travel expenses to the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Chorus Competition June 29 through July 6 in Denver. The Asheville-based chorus qualified to participate in the international competition by winning the Carolina’s District of the BHS spring competition on April 20, 2024 in Pinehurst. 

Turman, 25, said Land of the Sky Chorus, which is open to all genders of any age — the youngest member is 10 years old — was thrilled with its win at the district level. “It was the first time in the 75-year history of the Land of the Sky Chorus that it has won first place,” he said. “Yes, it’s been a big year for the chorus.”

About 30 choir members, including several quartets from the group, will perform at Friday’s concert, which will put concert-goers in the holiday spirit, Turman said. 

“It’s so fun and satisfying to sing every week with a group that is dedicated to musical excellence. There is so much talent, but our collective mindset is that we can always improve our sound and take our craft to the next level,” he said. “When you put in hours and hours of hard work with people as dedicated as you are, you definitely form a special bond.”

For more information about Land of the Sky Chorus or to make a donation to support their trip, visit ashevillebarbershop.com.