The hits just keep on coming..

Well, the Bad Singer Review thing caught on quickly.  Spread like wild fire all over Facebook.  Thats pretty sweet.  Bari-Chunks 15 minutes of internet fame.  But being greedy as we are here, we're going to try and extend those 15 minutes. We give you Round 2.

United We Stand

In light of the recent tongue lashing Tara Erraught had to endure this past month by some "critics" who are unworthy of that title, this video seems very appropriate.  Bad reviews are just a part of the business I guess.  We all get them.  I guess the best we can do is just embrace them and commiserate in our joint dislike.  Enjoy

Bad Singer Reviews #1

Round 2. Ding. Ding.

Well, apparently once was not enough.  In our last post we "Reviewed the Reviewers" who brought shame to themselves and to their "craft" for their poor reviews of mezzo-soprano, Tara Erraught.  In case you don't want to read the last post, I'll catch you up: Ms Erraught sang Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier.  The reviewers loved her singing.  Then the called her fat and ugly.  FOR NO REASON.  We here at Bari-Chunks took it upon ourselves to review the looks of the reviewers.  We laughed, we cried, it was better than Cats.

Along with our minuscule efforts, many in the art world have done their best to shame the reviewers for their unnecessary personal attacks, as well as poorly written reviews.  You would think that would be the end of it, but oh no...

"Critic" Rupert Christiansen (and part time adult video store clerk) proudly said it was his job to report what he saw, and said "I stand by every word."  We, at Bari-Chunks stand by our words as well when we say that you smell horrible (once again, see previous post).

As if that wasn't enough, ass-clown Quentin Letts from Daily Mail weighed in on the issue.  Here's the link to what he said, but here are the cliff notes:

"She has the face and figure of a goodish pork pie."
"...looks as though she has been at the biscuit barrel."
The rest of the article is him just quoting himself.  What narcissistic a dick stick.

Well, shit.  I thought we were done with this crap.  Guess not.  So let me stretch out here at bit, lace up my gloves, and shove my mouth piece back in my mouth.  Someone ring the bell.  Round 2.

Quick bio of Quentin Letts-

Born Quentin Potter, Mr Letts soon changed his name when he realized he couldn't possibly face the Dark Lord due to a serious magical aliment.  (He couldn't get his wand up if you know what I mean...) His father, a wax figure of Sir Elton John and his mother, a constipated ostrich left him outside a veterinary clinic in hopes that they would find him a good home.  The Swedish vet and his wife found the young boy and immediately made him a comfortable bed.  In the stable.  There he was raised by the horse, Ralph, and a blind goose name Mrs Honkers.  

Portrait courtesy of Olan Mill Studios

Mr Letts's youth was not an easy one.  Constantly ridiculed for his hunchback by his brother Arthur, Quentin developed serious depression and struggled with his own sexual identity.  At the age of 10, he was arrested on suspicion of having the materials for building a bomb.  It was later determined that the 10lbs of manure, cough syrup, 4 Granny Smith apples, and a rectal thermometer were for "...alternate uses." 

Arthur 

After Mrs Honkers passed away, Quentin started hanging around with a bad crowd, causing his father to disown him.  Cut off from his daily hay supply, he was forced to do many, many unspeakable things to earn a living.  None worse than his short lived time as a male escort for show dogs.  He was fired for developing feelings for, and stalking, one of his clients...

"That is NOT a brush!" - Joe Cocker Spaniel

After several other failed jobs, including a night shift manager at Arby's, he found work ringing the bell at Notre Dame.  For once, his hunchback had come in handy!  He was able to move in with his partner, Ms Maxi Pad, whom he met on www.ihavenofriendspleasebemyfriend.com.   

"I love it when you call me big Kotex"

Ms Pad had her issues with Mr Letts, and in 1995, she abruptly left him, screaming as she left "Talking to you about female orgasms is like explaining physics to a drunk chicken!"  Slipping back into a heavy depression, he began drinking excess amounts of Appletini's and Blue Pucker.  He was banned from several local pubs, and 6 of the 7 European Applebee's. He began to camp out in front of said establishments, taking sad selfies and is quoted as saying to patrons as they entered "My penis has been is half the glasses in that place.  Good luck!"

"My mom thinks I'm special" 

Mr Letts knew he had to get his life back on track.  After a 19 month stay in rehab, Mr Letts set out to find his purpose in life.  He applied to be an astronaut, but was quickly dismissed after NASA discovered he had a rare form of Hand, Foot, Mouth disease called Hoof, Nipple, Manboob disease.  How he contracted this ailment was not released.  

I'm stuck in here....

He applied to be a back up singer for the New Kids on the Block but was dismissed for not having any writing talent or original thought....and he was hitting on Danny constantly.  

Is this what the kids think is "funky fresh"? Like the Fresh Prince?...MY MOM LOVES MY HAT!

In 2008, he took his lack of writing skills and put them to work as a critic.  He was originally turned down by the Daily Mail but they later reversed their decision after he threatened to sue them because their free coffee burned his genitals.  There he has written countless worthless reviews, and several books that are used all over the UK as white elephant holiday gifts.  

In 2013, Quentin had a now famous melt down during a TV interview, where he admitted he hasn't seen a woman naked in 24 years, and that he has no talent.  What so ever.  This came as a surprise to no one.  

It's ok.  Let it all out.

Wow, he's had quite the life.  But seriously, what an ass hat!  His pictures all look like he's got a hand shoved up his pooper and somebody is working him like a muppet.  He looks like his own shadow doesn't want to hang around with him.  I bet he and his imaginary friend, Rock Marblebutt, stay up all night in their bunk beds writing down all the names of people who said he would never amount to anything so that one day they could 'show them.'  

But if I could offer a word of advice to Ms Erraught, I would just say this- pay this guy no mind.  Or any of them for that matter.  They are not worth your time.  These "men" have probably never even talked to a woman, much less one as good looking as you are.  This guy Quentin is so disrespected in the UK, he has several blogs dedicated to just shitting on him.  I searched his name and this pic came up

And the others are no better.  You on the other hand, are better.  What doesn't kill us will make us stronger.  After this, you'll be made of steel and they will hopefully be out of a job.  

A taste of their own medicine

Mezzo soprano, Tara Erraught, recently got some really bad reviews for her performance in Der Rosenkavalier, but not for her singing.  Not even for her stage presence.  She got taken to town for how she looks.  And not just by one nearsighted reviewer.  By quite a few.  Wow, this girl must have a second head growing out of her shoulder or something!  Seriously, what does this woman look like???

Tara Erraught

Wait, what?  THAT'S who you have a problem looking at on stage?!?!  She's a very good looking woman!  Well, maybe some of the reviews weren't that bad.  Maybe they were just misinterpreted.  What did they say?

"A dumpy girl."- Michael Church from the Independent

"Unbelievable, unsightly, and unappealing."- Richard Morrison from the Times

"Dumpy... Stressed my Motherhood."- Rupert Christiansen from the Telegraph

"A chubby bundle of puppy-fat."- Andrew Clark from FT

HOLY SHIT!!!! SERIOUSLY?????  Well, I guess we can rule misinterpretation out.  Wow, they just sound like a bunch of hateful assholes.  

With the freedom and anonymity of the internet, sites remarking on performers looks are popular but the difference is that they try to focus on complimenting the singers, not tearing them apart limb from slightly fleshier limb. Barihunks is cute. Its purpose is to give people eye candy regardless of vocal abilities. Everyone keep their shirts on (I will!) - I'm not saying no one featured on the site can sing. I'm stressing that it's not the main point of its existence. I poke fun at the blog, but all in all, its harmless.  The Met's last minute decision to replace an ailing Anita Hartig with Kristine Opolais over her original cover, Hei-Kyung Hong, for an HD performance of La boheme was viewed by some as a giant PR stunt. Others viewed it as a blatant case of choosing looks over voice.  I kept my mouth shut on these subject for the most part.  But this one...I can't just sit by on the sidelines.  Its too much.  The gloves are off.  So, I thought these fine gentlemen deserved a taste of their own medicine.


The Review of The Reviewers: 

Andrew Clark

"Journalist" for FT (which stands for Financial Times and not Fart Taco as I originally thought) Andrew Clark, not pictured here because he doesn't allow cameras under his bridge, called Ms Erraught's singing "...gloriously sung." He also called her "a chubby bundle of puppy-fat." As I stare into (what I assume, because seriously, there is no useable picture of him on the Google) his creepily off centered blue eyes, I wonder what gives him the right to call anyone names.  I imagine he looks like a police sketch artist rendition of a rapist on the loose in northern Michigan.  He looks like Hodor's less attractive brother, Dodor.  I imagine he has a semi hipster hair cut that reminds me of those infomercials from the 90's for the Flowbee and the cowlick in the front seems unfortunately purposeful. His eyebrows look like they were drawn on with a sharpie that has almost run out and his half smile says to me "you'll never guess the special ingredient in my chili...pssst...it's children's tears"  PS- Grow a pair and let us see what you look like.

Michael Church

Michael Church's review in the Independent compared Ms Erraught to "...a Scullery-maid."  I will compare his face to the brush used by scullery-maids to clean out chamber pots. His sullen and deep under eye circles seem to tell the story of a man who has felt the sting of being rejected by all the women at a school for the blind. More than once. Either that or they are just the shadows cast down from the Everest summit camp that is his nose. His hair, resembling industrial strength steel wool about to scrub it's last pot, has obviously been recently tousled by none other than the single pillow on his twin sized bed. Also, I'm not one to judge fashion,  but when your shirt looks like it's made from the cloths said "scullery maids" use to clean the windows, it might be time to head to K-Mart and get a new one.  I think there are only 2 possible reasons why he isn't smiling in this pic- 1) He's afraid if he does, whats left of his soul will escape through the gaps of his rotting wooden teeth or 2) Well, I'm pretty sure its #1.

Richard Morrison

The Times Richard Morrison called Ms Erraught "...Unappealing."  Pot.  Kettle.  Black.  This guy looks like he takes artistic pictures of his scrotum.  And then sends them to himself.  By snail mail.  He looks like the result of a threesome between Bill Gates, Beaker, and a sad, old banana.  

Side note, I can't tell if he's a fat guy who's lost some weight or a skinny guy cake slicing his way up the scale but this just in, CNN is reporting black box pings from his neck roll.  

Rupert Christiansen

"Stressed by motherhood" was how Rupert Christiansen (Garrison Kiellor's Prairie Home Parasitic Companion) of the Telegraph described singers. Interesting observation from a man who looks like he was raised by 3 apathetic hyenas and a pile of molted owl feathers. This guy's eyebrows look like they are trying to crawl off of his face and I don't blame them.  He looks like he rubs coffee grounds into his jawline because he can't grow real facial hair. And he smells weird.  Like an elderly person's sandal in a fire or urine after a meal of leafy greens and cinnamon schnapps. Like milk that accidentally spilled into your arm cast and spoiled in there, but you can't do anything about it for 4 weeks until you get the cast off.  That kind of weird smell.  

HOW DOES IT FEEL GUYS!!!!!!  HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT!!!!!!  Not so fun when the shoe is on the other foot, huh?

Ok, that was fun.  I feel better.  Now, I know that was somewhat harsh, but I needed to prove a couple of points. 1) Reviews are dumb.  They are pointless, and they serve no purpose.  All they do is make blurbs for people's websites.  I assume the people who write them had other goals in life and they just didn't work out for them.  I know singers need to have tough skin, and they do.  They know that their performances will not be received well by everyone.  But to attack them, or bodies?  That just seems wrong.  And 2) This putting body above singing has GOT TO STOP.  It is out of control.  Comparing someone to puppy-fat while calling their singing glorious?  That shows where these reviewers priorities are.  Looks over singing.  WHY?  This is opera, not the fucking night club.  You don't see reviews for clubs that include lines like "Very attractive ladies and gentlemen, great bar, but the singing sounded like puppy farts."  Is it HD that has gotten us to this point?  Or competition with TV and Movies?  Or is it the Kardashian's?  Can we please blame it on the Kardashian's???? 

Someone tell me what we can do?  I honestly don't know.  But I do know that if we keep this "looks over voice" trend up, we won't end up with the opera we all truly love.  

Alice Coote, world class mezzo-soprano, wrote a fantastic open letter to opera critics everywhere.  She took the high road in addressing this serious issue.  

We here at Bari-Chunks will never be able to articulate our thoughts as eloquently as Ms. Coote does in the article here.  In fact, we will probably never take the high road.  We can't even see the high road from where we are.  And we're not ashamed of that.  These so called "journalists" didn't take the high road either.  And for that, they should be ashamed.  

Post Script- We apparently posted the wrong Andrew Clark in our first run.  Apologies.  Our fact checkers were too busy eating ice cream.  We assume that Andrew Clark (Financial Editor for Fart Taco) is a great guy.  By the way, if that Andrew Clark reads this, we'd like to offer you a year long subscription to Bari-Chunks for FREE.  And also, if you see your colleague Andrew Clark, tell him to quit picking on girls and grow a pair.

Movie Operas (The Boredom Continues...)

Click the title for the Youtube link and enjoy the fruits of my boredom.

Clue: The Opera

Tombstone: The Opera

Avengers: The Opera

Anchorman: The Opera

Ghostbusters: The Opera

The Muppets: The Opera

The Godfather: The Opera

TV Operas, cuz why not?

I've got a lot of time on my hand.  Lots of singers do between gigs.  What do I do with my time?  Cast modern popular TV shows's yet to be written operas with modern singers.  Or at least thats what I  did this time.  Hope you enjoy!

Click the title to see the video...

Modern Family: The Opera

Game of Thrones: The Opera

Don't save San Diego Opera

That's right, I said don't save San Diego Opera. Let it go. I've seen a lot of posts and petitions on Facebook and Twitter from all my singer, conductor, director, and art loving friends promoting the Board of Directors at San Diego Opera to reconsider their decision to close the doors at the end of this season. At first, I thought this was a great idea and showed how the arts community stuck together in times of crisis. But then I thought about it for awhile.

We've all read about San Diego's 'noble' intentions of calling it quits when faced with the inevitable. Falling on their swords as the samurai of old. Drawing a warm bath and opening their wrists as Romans would do to save the honor. (I'll get to San Diego Opera's 'honor' in a second) But we've also all read the about the General director's annual salary, his wife's salary, and their view on talent in the opera world. We've all seen their operating budget, and ticket sale numbers. After seeing all the facts, I ask, why on God's green earth would we want to save this company?

Now, don't get me wrong. I would love for their to be an opera company in San Diego. I want there to be great opera in San Diego. I just don't want it run by the people who are running it now. I want someone capable. I want someone who is driven, and motivated. Someone who has a good, clear business model. One that understands opera in the 21st century. Someone who understands opera.

The Board of Directors, under the guidance of the General Director, voted 33-1 to close the doors. That might seem sad, but to me it indicates that there is at least one person there who gives a damn.

San Diego Opera has an operating budget of nearly $16 million. 10th largest in the US. It's General Director/Artistic Director made $500,000 a year. With his wife, the second highest salary earner in the company, they were paid $4.6 million between 2008-2012 (brief history refresher, there was a big recession occurring then). Now, I'm sure they both worked very hard at their jobs, but if pennies were needing to be pinched, maybe their own overflowing wallets should have been the first place they looked. Doubt if any of their 'top notch singers' were making that for their work. I only bring this fact up to say that we all have to be willing to make sacrifices for our art. I'm just not sure if the GM and his wife have made the sacrifices all the rest of us have had to. Could be wrong, but I'm eating a tostino's pizza for dinner in a hotel room, somehow don't think they are doing the same.

And there's this gem of a quote - “It would be like putting water in the beer, if you cut the artistic quality, people know.” This quote indicating that if they couldn't hire Sutherland, Pavarotti, or Domingo, then the quality they'd be putting on stage wouldn't be worth the effort. Seriously?!? Two of the three singers mentioned are dead, and the other one is past his golden age. Are you saying there is no real talent out there? No young talent worth investing in? That quote to me proves how out of touch the GM is with the opera world. Maybe he just misspoke. Maybe he's just naive. Maybe he just doesn't care...

I know money is tight. It is everywhere. Companies big and small have had to cut back, or even close their doors all together. It's a tough time for our art, no one denies that. Hell, Indianapolis Opera just cancelled their final production of the year today, 10 days before rehearsals were set to begin (interesting tidbit, Indianapolis Opera released this info to the press before notifying any of the artists or their management. Klassy move). But closing the doors, throwing in the towel, and dying a 'noble' death as San Diego Opera is doing is not the way to go.

What about a smaller operating budget? What about a pay cut for the Board and GM? What about hiring younger singers who would work for less? What about a reduced season? What about corporate sponsorship? What about including musicals in your season? What about allowing alcoholic beverages into theaters (big proponent of this one)? Were these ideas even discussed?

What the GM of San Diego Opera is doing is not noble, honorable, or heroic. It's cowardly. It's chicken shit. You have left hundreds if not thousands of employees high and dry. You have insulted young opera talent all around the world. And you've removed an art form from a city without a fight. If you truly believed in your product and company, you would have done everything in your power to keep it alive. What you did was not humane, it was cruel and unusual in a way you haven't even fathomed yet.

So I say let it die. Build from the ground up. There's still one board member willing to try. Start there.  Use the already existing staff.  They are obviously passionate about the art. There are plenty of singers, fantastic singers who would work in San Diego. There's already a fantastic orchestra, chorus, and stage crew ready to work. And there's a bounty of wealth in the region to be tapped for donors. If $15 million is to much, try $8 million. Many a company run on less. Everything you need is right there. Someone just has to take the lead. 

So don't sign the online petitions or do sign them, don't 'like' their page or do. It's up to you. But don't you think San Diego, hell, all of opera deserves something better than what the GM and 33 board members left the great city and it's art lovers? In my opinion, we do deserve better than that. Let's use the materials, people and resources we have to make something that rises from the ashes just like a Phoenix. 

Damn it, they beat me to it

Well, we've all heard the news about San Diego Opera's imminent closing. We all were first shocked and saddened. Then we were just shocked. Then we were all just a bit pissed as we read all the details that were revealed about San Diego's 'business' model, and what they valued as talent, and where their money went. I was all set to write a very funny, and poignant blog entry, but then I got on Facebook today to see that Opera Pulse and Evan McCormack beat me to the punch. This article is funny, and to the point. Much better than anything I would have written, and with much fewer spelling errors. Please take the time to read. Enjoy!

http://www.operapulse.com/editorial/2014/03/22/traditionalist-beware-opera-will-survive-beyond-san-diego-opera-closure/

Death to the Diva/Divo

I'm slightly fed up.  Fed up with the "Diva."  When did the term diva start to mean self centered, egotistical, bitchy, and overly cocky?  Has it always meant that?  And if so, why the hell is that acceptable in any profession??

 I figured a good definition of Diva would be a good place to start my search.

Diva- an operatic prima donna.

Well, shit.  That was no help.

Prima donna- 1. The principal female singer in an opera or concert organization.

           

Alright, I'm ok with that entry.  Let's stop at that one.  There's not a second definition is there?

2. A person who thinks they are better than everyone else.  

Poop.  Lets try the etymology. 

Diva- Italian, from Latin diva, meaning goddess. Feminine of divus.  

Ok. This is starting to feel like a research paper.

Divus- 1. Of or beloning to a deity.

2. Godlike. 

Diva Damnit!!!!!!!  Well, that answers my first question.  A "godlike" description does kind of give you permission to act stuck up.  

Thou shalt Vissi d'arte

Ok, well when did this "evil" Italian word worm its way into the operatic world?  Is it new, or has it been around since the Medici got bored?  I decided to ask Google that question.  After the standard Wikipedia entry (which was no help), the next couple entries were for DivaCup, a reusable silicone menstrual cup.  Well, thats absolutely no help, and a little disgusting.  Come on Google!  Don't make me do real research!!  A few more pages deeper into Googles search results, I find a interesting article by Patrick Dillon in OperaNews that explains it pretty well.  Basically, Tosca is to blame.  (First in the play by Sardou, then in Puccini's opera.  First time it was used in an opera.  Interesting Jeopardy fact).  Dillon list a good amount of qualifiers in his article as to how to define a diva in opera terms- Has style, Knows how to work a crowd, Good with fans, and Not a team player.  Wait, what was that last one?  Not a team player? How is that a good thing in the opera business?

Well, crap.  That answers the second question.  It hasn't always been in opera, but since it has, it hasn't been pretty.  WHY IS THIS OK??????  Only in opera could diva be a compliment.  Seriously, can you imagine a postal worker pulling a diva?  A garbage worker?  A Dentist?  Or even a pop singer?

Not a diva.  Just Crazy

In my humble opinion, opera is a team sport.  All people involved working towards a common goal- a great show.  ALL PEOPLE INVOLVED.  From the actors, orchestras, directors, conductors, stage hands, prop crews, make up artists, artistic directors, etc.  ALLLLLLLLLLL PEEEEEOPPPPLLLLEE.  We all bring our expertise and experience to a show to craft a unique experience for the audience to enjoy.  Otherwise, why do we do it?  For the money?  It's not that good. Fame?  Yes, because all the young kids are collecting opera trading cards. We deep down do what we do to put on the best show possible and entertain the audience.  Do we enjoy the money, applause, and the fact that we get to play dress up?  Of course.  We're all human.  But I believe our base intention is to entertain, and to do that, we ALL HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER.

So how does a diva fit into that plan.  Under the definitions of diva above, it doesn't.  At all.  Now, I'm not naive (I probably am, I just don't know it).  I know how operas work.  Composers LOVE sopranos and tenors.  They get the high dramatic arias, the great love duets, and win the audience over with all their high notes.  Thats just the way it is.  Fine.  But Tosca doesn't loose her love if Scarpia doesn't lust after her.  Nedda and Canio's love doesn't end in tragedy is Tonio isn't shunned.  Violetta and Alfredo don't meet if Flora doesn't throw a party.  And no one gives two Hojo-toho's about Brunnhilde and Siegfried if Alberich doesn't lay his curse down on that hunk of gold.  My point?  They need everyone else.  We all do.  Thinking you are better than everyone else around you, does nothing but damage to the creative process.  And of course sopranos and tenors are not the only culprits in the diva/o department.  Mezzos and Baritone/Basses can be just as bad, they just don't get the opportunity to do so as much.  

I'll admit, if I'm working with some one who treats me as an inferior person, I will in turn treat them as an ass.  And I don't care how famous or talented they are.  They won't get my best effort on stage.  And its not because I want them to fail.  Or the show to fail for that matter.  Its because of the energy the diva/o is putting off to their co-workers.  Its happened to me, and I feel bad about my attitude, but its almost a subconscious reaction.  A unnamed diva once told me to get my "fat chorus ass" out of her way.  Yeah, I openly yawned during her aria.  A director once referred to me as a child.  I spent all my time in the chorus running head first into walls.  Were my responses mature, of course not.  But it was my first initial reaction (which might say something about me...) I know I'm not alone either.  I'm we can all sit down and name the names of the worst people in the business to work with (I won't list names, because I feel it only perpetuates the cycle, and because I like my genitals where they are).  We've all seen divas/os demand a different tempo from the conductor, demand to be more center stage from a director, or unknowingly and uncaringly stand in front of a chorus member during their one solo line. 

So why do we encourage this behavior?  If a child displays the same characteristics as a diva, they would be disciplined.  My dad would have spanked my ass, and he probably still would today if I acted like a divo.  Isn't the fact that they usually receive the most applause at the end of the night enough?  Or the fact they usually get paid more than the rest of us?  What is it about their talent that makes them feel "holier than thou?"  I'm pretty sure if a diva craps in the woods, it still smells.  Even if you allow yourself to believe that the diva/o is the most talented person on the stage, in the building, or even in the city, does that make them better people than everyone else?  Does it make them Godlike?  I think not.

Obviously, not all singers are divas/os.   I've worked with a lot of amazingly talented singers, but what always sticks with me the most is not their abilities on stage, it's their personality off it.  Singers like Susanne Mentzer, Debbie Voigt, Brandon Jovanovich, Bryan Hymel, Joyce el-Khoury, Susanna Phillips, Danielle Pastin, David Portillo, Bryn Terfel, Joyce DiDanato, Jamie Barton, and a million others, not only amaze with their voices and acting ability, but blow you away with their humanity and compassion as a co-worker.  Those are the people I want to be like when I grow up.  I have no problem acknowledging their leading status on stage.  They are Divas and Divos in the best possible way in my book.  

So what can we do about the diva dilemma?  I think its simple- don't be a dick.  Treat others as you would like to be treated. Solves everything.  If you come to grips with the fact that we are all the same naked, that we all have the same parts, same insecurities, same passions, same desire to entertain, then it becomes a lot easier to join the process of creating.  And thats why we do what we do.

My standing motto in the business is simple- be a better person than you are a singer.  I really do strive to do that.  I don't always live up to it, but I try.  I thank the guy who hands me my prop.  I make sure to compliment the make up artist on the work they did on me.  I make sure to compliment my fellow singers on their work on stage.  It makes me feel better, hopefully make them feel better, and makes the overall process a better one.  And it cost me nothing.  

I'll applaud talent.  I'll cheer for it.  I'll stand up and yell "Brava."  But I will NOT worship it.  

Calendar

Oh, it's happening. The requests have been numerous. The suggestions have been submitted. It. Is. Happening.

The final list will include, basses, bass-baritones, baritones, tenors, and maybe even surprise appearances by Barihunks.

We are Barichunks. We are funny, we are confident in ourselves, and we can SING.

-theDeparted

Ps- thanks to Kyle Albertson for pushing the Barichunks movement