2012

Foreign Exchange

Foreign Exchange is a female foursome made up of members from 3 different countries, brought together by the power of music. We formed in 2009 and have loved making music together ever since. While our roots are in barbershop harmony, we sing everything from jazz to disco to broadway classics. We received our first big achievement in the fall of 2011 when we became the Harmony, Inc. International Quartet Champions. Last year after taking top honors at the Boston Harmony Sweepstakes, we were thrilled to come in 3rd place at the Nationals in San Francisco. Since then, we've been working on our first CD, which we are delighted to announce will be released just in time for this year's Sweeps. Check out our website or facebook page to find out more and to see if we'll be performing near you!

Members: Amanda Holloway, Maria Gabriella, Morgan LaCroix, Nanda Landers.

2011

Overboard

Overboard is a professional male a cappella group based in Boston. In addition to street performing throughout New England and donating their services to a variety of non-profit organizations, the group has been featured entertainment for American Idol's annual summer camp and on the CBS Early Show's A Cappella Quest. Since 2009, the group has received 7 CARA nominations and one CARA award for Best Holiday Song for their version of "We Three Kings."

Members: Scott Cobban, Jeff Eames, Nick Girard, Alfredo Austin III, Caleb Whelden.

2010

Plumbers of Rome

While serving as court musicians/crepe chefs at the court of Charles VII in the 13th century (they were not allowed to serve as the Royal Plumbers, since plumbing was at that time considered to be a form of witchcraft) the Plumbers of Rome invented a device to hurl food and concert T-shirts into the starving peasant section of the King's Concert Hall. Adapted for military use, and named the Trebuchet, this modest invention lead the French army to many victories, as well as adding to the festive atmosphere of French wedding receptions and modern day Renaissance Festivals. While history has all but forgotten the inventors of the Trebuchet, the Plumbers are commemorated in the traditional French carol ballade de l'arme romaine aim'e de plombier.

Members: Randy Jackson, Ron Gilgamesh, Ernie Stuckowitz.

2009

Our Town

Much like the play, OUR TOWN quartet embraces traditional values. They prefer classic songs by great American writers and composers; songs that lend themselves to four-part harmony singing, a unique American art form. Influenced by popular quartets of the past, including the Mills Brothers and Buffalo Bills, the group strives for audiences to leave performances humming the songs they heard the quartet sing. All four members boast outstanding credentials within the Barbershop Harmony Society circles.

Members: Scott Brannon (lead), Jamie Carbone (tenor), Terry Clarke (bass), and Larry Tully (baritone).

2008

Syncopation

The Boston Globe calls Syncopation the “Manhattan Transfer of the 21st Century”, and it is easy to see why. Like that legendary vocal group, Syncopation performs jazz and pop music that is both timeless and up-to-the-minute. These four young singer/musicians have performed across the U.S. at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, the Tri-C Vocal Jazz Festival, the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, the Meihou Music Festival, and the 2004 and 2006 International Association for Jazz Education Conferences in New York City. The group has also regularly tours Japan.

Members: Aubrey Logan, Christine Fawson, David Thorne Scott, Tsunenori “Lee” Abe

2007

Men in Black

Men in Black is a young quartet bringing a fresh youthful sound and personality to barbershops classic standards and drawing appeal to its ever evolving sound in today's world. Their passion for the barbershop style was rewarded in July of 2005 when they were awarded he 2005 gold medal as the MBNA International Collegiate Quartet Champions. Once winning at this level, they immediately began to take on "the big boys" and in October of 2005 they were crowned the best in the Northeast.

Members: Ray Johnson, Karl Hudson, Tony Nasto and Oliver Merrill

2006

Traces

Traces is a female quintet dedicated to pushing the envelope of female vocals to the limit. Although the group has been around only for 2 years, the individual members have been singing all their lives. With musical influences like Take 6 and The Real group and The Jackson 5, there's usually something to look forward to when these ladies step on stage.

Members: Tia Fields, Keesha Gumbs, Kimberly Robinson, Bianka Kotee, Tameeka Gumbs

2005

Firedrill!

Firedrill!, after returning from California in May 2005; took a 6 month break. In November 2005 Firedrill! reconvened, swapped out a member, learned more tunes and began working hard to prepare for hosting this year's Boston Harmony Sweepstakes. Just as they were planning their first rehearsal Firedrill!'s answering service received a call from Martin Sexton. Martin and his staff invited Firedrill! to perform with him on his New Years Eve show in Northampton, MA. In the distance you could hear "Hey, I heard they're getting Firedrill! back together" and "Yup" One of Firedrill!'s members even said "That sounds like fun!..." As it turns out, it was fun. And lots of it!

Members: Eric Fosbury, Mikey B, Mark Manley, Nathan Altimari, Matt Wrobel, Judd Tomaselli, Victor Sandman

2004

Road Show

Since Formed at the start of the new millennium, Road Show has competed and entertained audiences from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Portland, Oregon and everywhere in between. While their roots lie in the barbershop style, they love to dabble in jazz, blues, and contemporary music. And although the group likes to experiment with various musical styles, entertaining audiences is always at the top of their priority list. Despite their youthful vigor and an average age of just-over-30-something,  (thanks Rick!), Road Show has amassed more than 100 years of combined acapella singing (most of them started as kids)! They have been fortunate in their travels to share the stage with the likes of Rockapella, The Smothers Brothers and former National Harmony Sweepstakes Champions, Perfect Gentleman and Metropolis. Currently, they are New England's highest ranking International Barbershop Quartet. So, sit back, relax & better yet, snap your fingers, tap your toes and be ready to be on the edge of your seat, as Road Show treats you to an acapella experience you're sure to love!

Members: Mike Gabriella, Mike Maino, Bob O'Connell, Rick Spencer

2003

All About Buford

All About Buford wants you to get up, work your groove thang, and laugh your butt off! With a repertoire that infuses jazz, pop, funk, and comedy - their goal is for you to hear new and exciting music, have a great time and join in on the fun! At only 3 years old, All About Buford has already won critical praise and awards: the 2003 Boston Regional Harmony Sweeps winners have performed with Wayne Brady and the acappella legends The Persuasions. Jerry Lawson of the persuasions said: "you're going to go down in the history books!" Recently, they've won in the Acappella Community Awards: runner-up for Best Lead Female Vocal (Taunia Soderquist), runner-up for Best Lead Male Vocal (Shah Salmi), and Best World/Folk Band. With the addition of newest member vocal percussion guru Wes Carroll, All About Buford hopes that things will only get better!

Members: Wes Carroll, Amy Malkoff, Shah Salmi, Taunia Soderquist

2002

Groove

Groove is the newest addition to the Boston a cappella scene. This seven-man group specializes in pop/rock songs arranged and performed in a contemporary style. Individually, the guys have performed in over 2000 a cappella shows as members of the Buffalo Chips, the Binghamton Crosbys, the Boston College Acoustics, the Boston College Bostonians, the UMass Doo-Wop Shop, the Gentlemen of UNH, Jyde, Four Shadow, the Hyannis Sound, and Five O'Clock Shadow. Groove is very excited to be a part of the Harmony Sweepstakes, and share in this evening of great fun and harmony.

Members: Roopak Ahuja, Nate Altimari, Darrell Belch, Michael Burrows, Jim Harrington, Matt Lane, Michael LeBlanc

2001

So Rare!

SoRare! is an award-winning women's a cappella quartet singing smooth sounds and intricate harmonies. No vocal percussion here, just perfectly blended chords in a varied repertoire including swing, jazz, modern and contemporary. Brought together by their love of close harmony, these talented ladies have been entertaining audiences for six years. SoRare! has been 1st runner up in the Boston Area Harmony Sweepstakes Competition for 1998, 1999, and 2000 before becoming this year's winners. They are a five-time medalist quartet in the North Atlantic Regional Quartet Competition of Sweet Adelines International. They have performed extensively throughout New England including, Worcester's 1st Night Celebrations, Bridgewater's 4th of July featured entertainers and performer of the National Anthem, Stellar A Cappella, A Cappella Gold, opening night for the Boston Celtics where they performed for Bill Russell, several area shows, clubs and private parties. They have recently released their 1st CD entitled, SoRare! Well Done! Be sure to check out our website at www.soraresings.com

Members: Karen Christofi, Jannis M. Williams, Donna Manoogian, Arlene Isaac

2000

Live Wire

LiveWire is the pre-eminent vocal rock sensation out of Atlanta, GA. Since 1998, these seven talented musicians have been thrilling Atlanta TV, radio and live audiences with their unique "rock-band-without-the-band" sound: they perform musically accurate arrangements of rock songs with only one instrument -- the human voice. Their shows combine jaw-dropping musicality, contagious high energy, and a pinch or three of wackiness. They have entertained thousands of people around the Atlanta area, appeared all over the Atlanta media -- from morning news magazine appearances on the local NBC and FOX affiliates to news appearances on FOX, CBS, and ABC to radio appearances on 99X (WNNX FM - Atlanta's modern rock radio station) and Magic 96.7 (WMKJ-FM) --and are just as comfortable performing in a raucous club setting as they are in an intimate corporate cocktail party.

Members: Michelle Arrascue, Jennifer Bond, Carl Christie, Benjy Rose, Jordan Small, Rob Sylvester, Kris Walker

1999

Pickup 6

At the crossroads between swinging jazz, sultry soul, and upbeat pop, Pickup 6 delights and entertains audiences with a high-energy a cappella sound. Since 1996, we have journeyed down the musical highway, constantly straddling the double- yellow line between sophistication and fun. Most of our arrangements are by members of the sextet, including standards like "Route 66," blustery, heated ballads like "Fever," or more off-beat fare like "You Never Give Me Your Money" and "Cool" from West Side Story. Performing at jazz clubs and private parties, or spending long nights rehearsing or producing new arrangements, we find joy, challenge, companionship and inspiration in our singing.

Members: Kirsten Findell, Lisa Macalaster, Christian Nolen, Valerie Northrop, John Paquette, Adam White Scoville

1998

Ball In The House

Ball in the House is the 1998 New England Harmony Sweepstakes Champions, and they are extremely excited to represent Boston in the Nationals. Their goal is to use a cappella as a medium for their original music, bring together soul, funk, and pop/R&B sensibility to create their unique sound. Ball in the House brings together six members that hail from such well-known vocal groups as the Skidmore Bandersnatchers, the University of Pennsylvania's Six-5000, the University of Illinois' Other Guys, the Boston College Heightsmen. Ball in the House encourages you to get up and dance, clap, and enjoy their high energy show!

1997

Seven Seconds

1996

Harmonytryx

In the world of a cappella music, Harmonytryx (Har-mo-NEE-trix) is a breath of fresh air! Self-managed and independent, these women entertain audiences with an eclectic mix of pop, folk and world music that ranges from sexy and provocative to soulful and spiritual. Their unique combination of tightly-crafted vocal harmonies, powerful solos, funky vocal percussion and lively humor has captivated audiences throughout the NYC metropolitan area and beyond. Harmonytryx is a winner of the Boston Regional Harmony Sweepstakes and holds two Best Arrangement Awards from that competition. They have appeared on WCBS-FM, WPLJ-FM, WDVRFM, WCTC-AM and a PBS television special. They have also performed at hundreds of venues across the country.

Members: Andrea Catangay, Erica Cohn, Kristie Damell, Rebecca Green, Mary Malyska, Angela Marcone

1995

Five O'Clock Shadow

1994

Vox One

Vox One has performed internationally, and has opened for Ray Charles, Chicago, the Persuasions, the Bobs, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and the Count Basie Orchestra. The group earns wide acclaim for their performances and CDs. Their awards include "Best A cappella Group, Jazz" - Boston Magazine. Vox One's eponymous debut CD was named "Best Album" and awarded "Best Song" by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA): "Creative arrangements and soulful spark... fabulous lead vocalists, and exquisite blend, a great vocal percussion sound, and lots of class." Their second US release “Out There,” won "Album of the Year," "Best Jazz Song," and "Best R&B song" by CASA. “...as defining an album for vocal jazz as Singers Unlimited "A Capella" and Take 6's debut album...it’s that good.” -Primarily A Cappella. With their 1998 album “Chameleon,” Vox One was named “Artist of the Year,” and once again it earned “Best Jazz Album” and “Best Jazz Song.”

Members: Tom Baskett, Jodi Jenkins Ainsworth, Yumiko Matsuoka, Paul Pampinella, Paul Stiller

1993

Shawsheen River Rats