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Thousands of ''Barbershop'' Singers Converge in Phila.

by KYW's John McDevitt

The 72nd annual Barbershop Harmony convention and competition is taking place all week long in Philadelphia.

More than 8,000 barbershop harmony singers from around the world are competing in the quartet and chorus categories. The event is held in a different city every year.

Charley Lotspiech, 22 (back to camera in photo), is with the Vocal Majority Chorus of Dallas.  It's Charley's fifth international competition participation:

"We are all nerds because we really enjoy it!  And the singing that goes on in this competition is miles above anything you hear in American society.  I mean, it makes 'American idol' look like trash."

Organizers estimate the total economic impact for the region to be nearly $17 million.

(Photo by KYW's John McDevitt)

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