Meet The Party
The Party, in it’s current lineup, formed in 2004, but these guys have a long history of singing together. Kevin, Toby and Wally started singing barbershop together at John Glenn High School in 1991. Their quartet, “G.Q.”, went on to represent the district at the 1993 BHS College Quartet Contest in Calgary. This led to several other “versions” of the quartet over the years, as work and family commitments changed.
After reforming in 2001, The Party, once again, found themselves in need of a “4th man”. They welcomed Mark, a longtime “barbershop friend”, into the family in 2004, not just for his talent and musicianship, but for his never-ending desire to sing tags until the break of dawn (his wife, Dawn eventually needs a break). They went on to become the 2005 Pioneer District Champs and finished as high as 27th in the world in their first two trips to the BHS International Competition.
After reforming in 2001, The Party, once again, found themselves in need of a “4th man”. They welcomed Mark, a longtime “barbershop friend”, into the family in 2004, not just for his talent and musicianship, but for his never-ending desire to sing tags until the break of dawn (his wife, Dawn eventually needs a break). They went on to become the 2005 Pioneer District Champs and finished as high as 27th in the world in their first two trips to the BHS International Competition.
Kevin Morey - Tenor
Kevin lives in Westland, MI and is a restaurant manager. He is a 2nd generation barbershopper and was the one who formed their first quartet after learning about barbershop from his grandfather. Kevin’s special talent: Makes cheesecake that you would sell your kids for.
Toby Shaver - Lead
Toby, who lives in Grand Rapids, MI, is the owner of BOGO Media, a marketing and fundraising company. Toby sings lead with the Great Lakes Chorus and has recently been named the Director of Music and Performance for the Pioneer District. He has a one year old daughter, Lucy, and an 13 year old son, Bailey, who Toby hopes will replace somebody in the quartet someday. (Sadly, Bailey will probably replace Toby).
Wally Krause - Bass
Wally is the guy who makes The Party a truly “international” quartet. He is an American living in Canada with his lovely Canadian wife, Shevon. Wally and Shevon welcomed their first baby into the world last year. Blaise is thought, by many, to be the child that will, one day, restore peace between Canada and the United States. Finally.
Mark Spear - Baritone
Mark is also a 2nd generation barbershopper. He has sung in several quartets over the years and has now brought his son, Chris, into the barbershop family. Mark is consistently the “last man standing” at most afterglows and lobbies, singing and teaching tags until everyone has had enough (We suspect he keeps singing them by himself after everyone goes to bed). Mark lives in Battle Creek, MI with his wife, Dawn.
