
By Sheila Banks
Communication Specialist
For most people, Valentine’s Day evokes images of romance— flowers, chocolates, candlelit dinner, and for some, maybe even a romantic serenade. Coalition, a barbershop quartet based in Fort Wayne, Ind., is familiar with such requests.
Coalition is a traditional barbershop quartet, singing songs a cappella with four-part harmony, while adding their unique flair of animation and entertainment to their performances.
Members Brian Eager, Dan Johnson, Jeff Albert, and Jeff Goshorn are seasoned entertainers with a combined 140 years of quartet singing experience.
“For 30 years, the four of us sang around each other in the Summit City Chorus of Fort Wayne (the original Fort Wayne Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society). Finally, in 2017, we came together and became the Coalition Quartet,” said Johnson, who sings lead for the group.
That shared experience of singing together for so long has made for a cohesive group, which came in handy at one particular performance last summer.
“We began our presentation with only three of us singing,” Johnson said. “The next piece had a solo for the bass singer (the missing guy). Our baritone was ready to sing the solo. Just before we got to that section, our bass arrived, walked into his normal position, and started the solo. Some of the congregation thought it was the plan. We loved it!”
The group performs a wide range of music at a variety of venues. From doo-wop and big band to pop, patriotic, gospel, and more. They can serenade a Valentine or do a quick birthday or anniversary tribute. In addition to private performances, they can be found singing the National Anthem at sporting events or performing at corporate events, churches, and other venues throughout Northeast Indiana.
“Probably the most satisfying of our numerous opportunities to sing occurs in churches and other venues,” Johnson said. “We enjoy watching an audience go from a curious crowd, wondering what a true barbershop quartet sounds like, into an audience that enthusiastically enjoys our performance.”
For those living in Northeast Indiana, one might catch them out and about this Valentine’s Day singing “Love Me” or “Teddy Bear” by Elvis Presley, “Something” by The Beatles or maybe even “Blue Skies” by Irving Berlin.
Whether romantic ballad or upbeat and fun, the joy of music radiating through a Coalition performance is sure to be contagious.
Learn more about the group by visiting coalitionquartet.com.
Top photo: The Coalition Quartet smiles for a photo after winning the district senior competition in 2019 with their Elvis set. Shown, left to right, are Brian Eager, Dan Johnson, Jeff Albert, and Jeff Goshorn.