Dropping by The Barbershop

I filmed Pickin' & Trimmin' in 2007, and since then I've been back about once a year. My favorite thing about The Barbershop is that even though some things change, most of it stays the same. No matter who may have come and gone, the music, friendship, jokes, and delicious peanuts remain.

Last year, however, was the first time I was genuinely concerned about the shop. There was serious water damage to the floor and ceiling, and the shop as a whole was in disrepair. Carroll, Lawrence's son, started a Barbershop Preservation Fund and I made this video in order to bring more attention to their situation: 
 
Fortunately, with the release of Pickin' & Trimmin' online, donations started coming in. Some local folks donated lumber and labor, and they were able to refurbish the shop.

In June, I screened Mr. Happy Man for a Mountainfilm on Tour screening in Cashiers, NC, and took the opportunity to drive to Drexel and visit with the boys. I was glad to see that the shop looks great and there was plenty of top notch bluegrass in the back room. I shot a little video during the visit.

 
It was great to see everyone in such good spirits. More needs to be done, including installing a new heating and air system, so any donations are much appreciated.

 Donate to The Barbershop Preservation Fund Online

To donate by check, send a payment made out to “The Barbershop Preservation Fund” and mail to:

Barber Shop Preservation Fund
c/o  L. C. Anthony
2744 Monarch Dr. 
Charlotte, NC 28214

-Matt