As one of the most popular quartets in the Barbershop Harmony Society, Riptide traveled the galaxy entertaining audiences with outstanding singing, side splitting stand-up, and a genuine love for performing. Whether you like traditional barbershop songs, doo-wop, Gospel, or jazz, you had to love this foursome. Please don't ask them to rap. Riptide brings more than 80+ years of seasoned showmanship to the stage. Since 1997, this vocal team performed in almost every state in the continental US, as well as other countries such as Canada and England.
Riptide started in the fall of 1997 after the retirement of two Dixie District Champ quartets, "Bandstand" and "Class of '94". Dylan Oxford, Eric King, Jeff Selano, and Tim Reynolds were the original members. In 1998, Riptide competed at the International contest in Atlanta, GA placing 22nd. In the fall of 1998, Riptide won the Dixie District Championship. Before prelims of the following year, Riptide made a personnel change. At that point, Richard Lewellen joined as baritone. Riptide went on as the foursome of Eric King, Richard Lewellen, Jeff Selano and Tim Reynolds for another four years placing 11th in 1999 (Anaheim, CA), 6th in 2000 (Kansas City, MO), 4th in 2001 (Nashville, TN), and 4th in 2002 (Portland, OR). From 1997 to 2002, Riptide performed for tens of thousands across the continental US and across the Atlantic in England. At the end of 2002, Riptide made its second personnel change picking up Rick Taylor on tenor (much to the surprise of the barbershop community). Rick, up until Riptide, had been a world famous baritone and front man. With Rick on the team and new wind in the sails, Riptide headed to the Montreal International Convention. With a 5th place medal from that convention, they prepared for the Louisville Convention and hit the stage with their best performances to date (earned the rank of 3rd place).
During Riptide's lifetime, the quartet has developed many outstanding friendships. With the help of coaches Clay Hine, Joe Connelly, Cindy Hansen, Dwayne Brobst, Rob Hopkins, and of course... the one and only Dave Labar (we miss you more than words can say, Dave), Riptide has endured as a passionate group of guys who love to perform. After nearly two decades, they won a Silver Medal in the Legacy quartet competition that the Barbershop Harmony Society conducted with the top 19 quartets that never won a gold medal BUT SHOULD HAVE!!!
Getting together again after the pandemic (and a long hiatus), Riptide discovered that the “MAGIC” was still there. Click on the links below to learn more about the amazing careers of the four members of this awesome quartet.
Tenor Rick Taylor Lead Tim Reynolds Bari Richard Lewellen Bass Jeff Selano
