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Celebrate 75 Years of Harmony with the Schmitt Brothers Saturday, July 18

Press Release

Family-friendly event features FREE barbershop concert in Two Rivers Central Park
 
Two Rivers, Wis. – May 5, 2026 – In 1951, the Schmitt Brothers took the barbershop world by storm when they came out of nowhere to win the international Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) title 75 years ago. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, the community is invited to attend the 75th anniversary celebration of HARMONY LIVES ON THE SCHMITT BROTHERS STAGE, a family-friendly event featuring a free barbershop concert from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Two Rivers Central Park.
 
It was in this park that Two Rivers welcomed their hometown heroes – the Schmitt Brothers quartet. Jim, Joe, Paul and Fran Schmitt worked hard to spread harmony everywhere they performed during their 35-year career. In 2023, the Schmitt Brothers Stage was dedicated in their honor. It is the first and only stage in the country named after a barbershop quartet.
 
Hosted by the local barbershop chapter Clipper City Chordsmen, Harmony Lives On the Schmitt Brothers Stage will feature barbershop quartets and choruses, including the three-time international Bronze Medalist Midwest Vocal Express Chorus, 2024 Land O’Lakes District Champion Forward Harmony Chorus, 2021 Land O’Lakes District Champion Coulee Classic quartet, What’s New quartet from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and 2025 Wisconsin Youth Harmony Festival High School Champion Quad Aces quartet.
 
A number of community organizations and businesses will help celebrate the milestone anniversary. The Two Rivers Rotary Club will sell food and beverages during the show. The Washington House Museum, part of the Two Rivers Historical Society, will offer the Schmitt Brothers Signature Sundae topped with strawberries, nuts, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry on top from noon until 6:00 p.m. at 1622 Jefferson Street. In addition, the Cool City Brewing Company at 1718 West Park Street will offer Schmitt Brothers Barbershop Brew in commemorative crowlers. Port Cities Screen Printing will also be producing custom shirts for the event. Online orders will be available soon.
 
This event is presented by generous donations from the Association of District Barbershop Champions, CT Nails, Explore Two Rivers, Shoreline Credit Union, Skylight Wealth Management, and the William and Nancy Webster family. Community partners include Architectural Forest Products LLC, Cool City Brewing Company, Hawkins Ash CPAs, Paczkowski Family Dental, Lighthouse Inn, Schmitt Brothers Eleven, Schroeder’s Department Store, Schwartz Manufacturing Company, and Shelley Vogel at Weichert Realty.
 
About the Schmitt Family
 
The Schmitt Brothers Quartet—Jim, Joe, Paul and Fran—grew up in a family of 17 just down the street from the park. Among the 11 brothers and six sisters, three became Catholic priests, one earned her doctorate in nursing, and the others supported local businesses. All actively supported church, military, and community organizations in their beloved hometown. The Schmitt family tree boasts over 1,500 members.
 
The Schmitt Brothers first victory was not in front of a crowd of 8,000 at the international barbershop convention in Toledo, but on WOMT radio in Manitowoc when the youngest was just four years old. They learned to sing in the St. Luke’s church choir and won the SPEBSQSA title after singing barbershop for only 18 months. With performances routinely booked years in advance, the quartet sang together for 35 years, spreading harmony from all the major stages in the country as well as the Ed Sullivan, Arthur Godfrey and Lawrence Welk shows. In the meantime, they raised 35 children, ran successful local businesses, and participated in and led civic organizations from the Elks and Lions Clubs to the local chamber of commerce, school and church boards.
 
More Information

 
 
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The Schmitt Brothers quartet posed with the SPEBSQSA trophy following their victory in 1951.
(Back: Fran and Joe. Front: Jim and Paul.)
 
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Crowds gathered to dedicate the new Schmitt Brothers Stage in Two Rivers Central Park in July 2023.

Celebrate 75 Years of Harmony with th...