Yonge Guns came together in August 2013 and began as a trio of high school friends. Greg Mallett (lead) contacted Jonah Lazar (baritone) and Reuven Grajner (bass) to put up an attempt at the collegiate barbershop scene. At the time, Chris Tanaka-Mann (tenor) was the Toronto Northern Lights’ newest baritone, but was, ironically, immediately asked to join the quartet…on tenor. Introductions were made, music was learned, and so started the journey.

The quartet quickly prepared for Ontario’s 2013 provincial contest, held in October each year, where they won the Novice trophy and were ecstatic to place 5th overall. Six months later they were off in search of the bright lights and big city, namely Las Vegas, qualifying for the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Collegiate Quartet Contest to be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in July 2014. Placing 10th, they continued to work and placed 3rd the following year, earning Ontario’s first collegiate medal since Chameleon in 2006. More recently, the quartet again represented Ontario and Canada in the open division, again in Las Vegas, placing 14th. They returned to Toronto proudly bearing the title of the highest placing Ontario quartet in 32 years! Outside of contest, Yonge Guns are now veterans of the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, having put on a week long run of shows in August 2018. This festival boasts 3500 shows and 2.5 million tickets sold each year and was an absolutely unforgettable experience.

All of the guys are proud members of the 2013 International Barbershop Chorus Champions, the Toronto Northern Lights, and have gained a wealth of experience through its leadership. They value the camaraderie and brotherhood of the chorus highly and have had the opportunity to tour Europe with the chorus, a truly incredible experience!

Yonge Guns has performed all around Ontario for a variety of audiences, spreading a cappella music and the barbershop style wherever they go. At everything from choral festivals, to middle school and high school workshops, to performing for Toronto’s ever-growing a cappella community, they have had the chance to sing their hearts out and will always take the opportunity to do so. Contact them now for a booking!