business
Barbershop quartet keeps singing after member’s stroke
By Dale Ryman at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (Aging Untold) — A Stevens Point barbershop quartet called Alternative Medicine continues performing together after one of its members suffered a stroke and spent five days in the hospital. The group includes Patty Bourgeois on tenor, Joe Larson on lead, Dennis Stephani on bas...
Key takeaway A group built around barbershop Joel Bourgeois said he has been singing barbershop since he was 14, inspired by watching his father come home from practice in a better mood.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The story of Alternative Medicine, a barbershop quartet from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has implications for Atlanta 's own music scene. As the city's residents face various health challenges, the quartet's determination to continue performing together after a member's stroke is a testament to the power of music and community. Atlanta's own barbershop groups and music therapy programs can draw inspiration from Alternative Medicine's experience, highlighting the importance of supporting musicians with disabilities and incorporating music into rehabilitation programs. The quartet's performances at nursing homes also underscore the value of music in promoting wellness and social connection among older adults, a demographic that is growing in Atlanta. As Atlanta's community continues to grow and evolve, the story of Alternative Medicine serves as a reminder of the impact that music can have on individuals and communities, and the need to support and promote music programs that benefit people of all ages and abilities.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: business ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? STEVENS POINT, Wis. (Aging Untold) — A Stevens Point barbershop quartet called Alternative Medicine continues performing together after one of its members suffered a stroke and spent five days in the hospital. The group includes Patty Bourgeois on tenor, Joe Larson on lead, Dennis Stephani on bas...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dale Ryman at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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