History
The Downeasters
Chapter Founding
The Portland chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) was formed as a chapter in the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) in 1949 and has been going strong for over 70 years!
Lifetime Achievement Awards
On Nov 18, 2023 the Downeasters presented lifetime achievement awards to 2 of our members who've been key leaders in the chapter:
Jack Baggs and Marshall Wagner
Watch a video with highlights of their barbershop careers!
On November 15th, 2025 the Downeasters presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to <strong>Port City Sound</strong>. Formed in 2007, the Port City Sound Quartet has competed in more than 40 contests across the Northeastern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Throughout the years, each of its members has made significant and enduring contributions to The Downeasters, their home chapter in Portland, ME, as well as to the district and to the Barbershop Harmony Society as a whole. Congratulations to the quartet for their remarkable leadership and profound impact!
