"KEEP THE WHOLE WORLD SINGING"
North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Western Michigan Upper Peninsula, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Western Ontario, Canada.
Chartered - 1947 | Incorporated - 1951 | Chartered Chapters - 34
Bob Dowma | 1942-2026 | Celebration of Life - June 8, 2026
It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Bob Dowma, esteemed tenor of the 1975 International Quartet Champions, Happiness Emporium. Bob’s soaring high harmonies, deep commitment to the art of barbershop singing, and decades-long involvement in the barbershop community brought joy to countless voices and audiences. His legacy includes not only championship performances and cherished barbershop arrangements, but also inspiration and mentorship to generations of singers. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bob’s family, his wife, Naomi, quartet brothers, friends, and all who were touched by his music.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE | Monday, June 8, 2026
Saint Andrews Lutheran Church (Map CLICK HERE)
900 Stillwater Road
Mahtomedi, MN 55115
1:00pm - 2:00pm Visitation
2:00pm Memorial Service in the Sanctuary
3:00pm - 4:30pm Dessert Reception in the Fellowship Hall
The coordinator from Saint Andrews would like an estimate of the expected attendance. Please RSVP to Dan Dowma via email (dan@dowma.com), and I'll track and compile the replies
Fall Convention - October 16-17, 2026
With Spring upon us, we are putting plans together for our LO’L Fall Convention – “People Connecting Through Harmony” Our theme recognizes that we have many positive relationships happening across our District and our Fall Convention is a special time for all of us to get together and enjoy our friends, music and fun activities we have planned, connecting through harmony.
Here are some details to help you get ready to join in the fun. We’ll open our convention registration early this summer, but we wanted to share this information for your own planning purposes.
Dates: October 16-17, 2026
Location: Minneapolis Airport Hilton Hotel - 3800 American Blvd E., Bloomington, MN 55425 (Same as 2025)
Room Rates: $115/night plus taxes
Convention Registration Fees: (Note all participants in the contests or festivals must purchase, at minimum, the “All Contest Events registration”)
- Complete Package (All Contest Events, Lunch, Banquet and Showcase): $140
- All Contest Events: $75
- Single Contest Event: $30
- Junior (12 years and under) All Contest Events: $30
- Showcase Performance Only: $20
- Saturday Lunch: $20
- Saturday Banquet and Showcase: $45
In addition to the contests, we’ll once again offer free quartet coaching, for those quartets not participating in the contests, on Friday morning. And we’ll have Fun Squad activities, the All-Chapter Chorus and our Saturday Night afterglow. It truly will be a super fun convention!
Grant Warning Sr., VP Events, LO’L District
March - April 2026
NEW: Chapter Resource | Suggested Song List
There is now a SUGGESTED SONG LIST available to all LO'L District Chapters. The list can be accessed under the Chapter Resources tab at the top of every page on the website.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SONG LIST
Any questions and/or suggestions contact Nate Peplinski at starquarterback14@yahoo.com
Bachelor of Barbershop Harmony Degree
This honorary degree recognizes Barbershoppers in the Land O’ Lakes district who have dedicated their time and effort to helping themselves and others in our Society, to increase their knowledge of their craft by becoming involved in the many disciplines of this great hobby, increasing their expertise and their enjoyment to become better members and making this a better place for all of us to spend our leisure time, while providing others who are not members, the opportunity to avail themselves of the entertainment and enjoyment we can provide.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
New members and old, if you achieved a score of 300 or more points you can get the degree. Past recipients' contact Todd Smith tgsemail@gmail.com or (651) 202-6056 and you will receive a new certificate signed by Nate Peplinski
