Catch a midday “mass sing” at noon Friday April 29 on the steps of the Onondaga County Courthouse, when nearly 1,500 female singers gather in four-part harmony, kicking off the Sweet Adeline International Region 16 convention.

Between April 28 and 30, about 1,500 women will come to Syracuse from across northern New York and eastern Ontario to compete for the chance to represent the region at the 2012 International Convention in Denver. The region includes 33 choruses and 46 registered quartets.

In case of rain, the mass sing will be moved to the lower level of the Civic Center.