The free outdoor concert has become an annual summer tradition for the group, typically drawing between 200 and 350 people

The Happy Accidentals will present their 5th Annual Gospel Concert on Sunday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Shaffer Farm in Ridgefield.

The free outdoor concert has become an annual summer tradition for the group, typically drawing between 200 and 350 people. Approximately 350 attended last year.

“The annual concert has really become something we look forward to every summer,’’ said Happy Accidentals band member and co-founder Michael McCormic Jr. “We aren’t doing it to make money. We want people to come out, hear some great music, bring their families, share some food and spend an evening worshipping with us.”

About the Happy Accidentals

The Happy Accidentals are an eight-man vocal ensemble made up of singers from Southwest Washington and the Portland area. The group performs a mix of classic and contemporary Southern gospel music in 4 part harmony, with some a cappella and jazz influence mixed in.

The group came together in 2020 when Mike McCormic Sr. and his son, Michael McCormic Jr., invited several friends to sing together. What began simply as an opportunity to make music with friends gradually developed into a performing ensemble.

The name “Happy Accidentals” is a musical play on the Bob Ross quote, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”

The current lineup of singers in the group includes:

• Bass: Luke Shaffer and Roy Graves
• Baritone: Todd Copper and Jared Abraham
• Second Tenor: Michael McCormic Jr. and Mike McCormic Sr.
• First Tenor: Evan Aldrete and Joshua Berkompas

The Happy Accidentals are independent and are not affiliated with any particular church or denomination. They regularly perform for churches and community events throughout Oregon and Washington.

Most recently, the group performed as part of the 2026 Battle Ground July 3 celebration at Maddox Industrial Transformer.

This year’s Gospel Concert is also significant for the group because, after two years with vacancies in the lineup, the Happy Accidentals are once again performing with a full eight-member ensemble.

The Annual Gospel Concert

The Happy Accidentals began the annual Gospel Concert in 2022 after the group had been singing together for about two years and wanted an opportunity to put on a concert of its own.

Every Gospel Concert has been held at Shaffer Farm, owned by Bill and Barb Shaffer, whose son Luke sings bass with the group.

Over the years, the venue has become an important part of the event’s identity. Bill and Barb have created a beautiful event space, and the outdoor farm setting gives the concert a welcoming small-town America feel. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an evening of music.

Admission has always been free. The group’s goal isn’t to make money from the event, but to give people an enjoyable evening of music and an opportunity to fellowship and spend time together as a community.

Donations are welcomed to help offset the cost of the venue and equipment, but there is no admission charge.

Another annual tradition is a large potluck-style dessert and snack table. Guests are invited to bring a dessert or snack to share, but bringing food is completely optional and everyone is welcome.

Voices of Praise

This year’s concert will also feature the Voices of Praise Christian Youth Choir, which has a long connection to several members of the Happy Accidentals.

Mike McCormic Sr. founded Voices of Praise in 2001 and directed the choir until 2008. Happy Accidentals members Luke Shaffer and Jared Abraham were among Mike’s choir students during those early years.

Mike Sr. and Michael Jr. restarted Voices of Praise in 2024, with Michael serving as assistant director. Current Happy Accidentals members Todd Copper and Joshua Berkompas now sing in the youth choir.

As a result, this year’s concert will bring together former Voices of Praise singers from more than 20 years ago with a new generation of singers from the same choir.

Music

The approximately two-hour program will feature a wide variety of gospel music, ranging from energetic Southern gospel to acapella renditions of traditional hymns.

Selections will include:

• “Happy Rhythm”
• “Goodbye, World”
• “Jesus Messiah”
• “I Need Thee Every Hour”

The program is family-friendly and is intended to have something for a wide variety of listeners.

Event Details

Happy Accidentals 5th Annual Gospel Concert

Sunday, August 23, 2026

6:30 p.m.

Shaffer Farm

19216 NW 46th Ave.

Ridgefield, WA 98642

Admission: Free

“Shaffer Farm has become part of the tradition,’’ said Michael McCormic Jr. Bill and Barb take incredible care of the property, and have been so generous in welcoming our friends and families to partake in this event year after year.”

This is an outdoor concert. Guests should bring lawn chairs or a blanket and are invited to bring a dessert or snack to share.

Parking is available on site, with overflow parking available.

RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes but are not required. People are welcome to simply show up.

In the event of bad weather, the concert will be moved to an indoor venue.

For more information:

mmccormic7@gmail.com