2012

GQ

This group began in the summer of 2011, bringing together different musical backgrounds: jazz, pop, barbershop and musical theater. Things seemed to click so easily, they all knew that they could do great things. GQ brings some new repertoire to the a cappella scene, featuring material by some of their favorite artists you may not have heard, and exploring other possibilities outside of the norm. But most of all they have become really good friends who have a passion and drive for singing and who try to create something special each time they perform..

Members: Katie Gillis, Katie Macdonald, Amanda McNutt, Ali Hauger

2011

Da Capo

Da Capo is an a cappella group hailing from the Washington, D.C. area composed of music professionals from all walks of life. We believe strongly in promoting a cappella music and educating youth about the Barbershop style. Ryan, Tony, Wayne, and Joe have officially been singing together since October of 2009, when our lead singer Tony assembled us to sing his marriage proposal to his wife-to-be. We have also been members of the Barbershop Harmony Society for a combined total of 54 years!

Members: Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Wayne Adams, Joe Sawyer

2010

West Side Five

The West Side Five is a vocal jazz quintet based in New York, NY. Influenced by vocal jazz ensemble greats like the Real Group, Manhattan Transfer and the New York Voices, West Side 5 performs original interpretations of jazz, pop, and bossa nova standards at various venues in the New York/New Jersey area. Each member brings a unique voice and specialty to the group’s complex sound. They have proven themselves, whether traveling the world with various ensembles, recording a dozen or so CDs amongst them, or performing on some of the world’s most recognizable cities and stages: Carnegie Hall, L’Opera Garnier, Notre Dame, and more.

Members: Lara Hirner, Sara Wajnberg, John Shumway, Eric Hughes, Will Fithian

2009

MAXX FACTOR

MAXX Factor, a Sweet Adeline Quartet, was formed in 2004. This current foursome has been singing together since August 2007. Lead Leslie Wodday became a Queen of Harmony in 2000 with Signature Sound Quartet. She joined MAXX in August of 2007. Founder Valerie Hadfield-Rasnake is a barbershop brat. She sang with Region 19 medalist Quartets Ritz Carleton and Vanity Fair. Co-founder Baritone Kim Hudson, also a barbershop brat, has sung with Region 19 medalist quartet Vanity Fair. Prior to joining MAXX in 2005, Tenor Molly Plummer sang with Region 19 multi-medalist quartet RhythmWorks. Molly and Valerie are members of the International medalist chorus Pride of Baltimore. Kim and Leslie, currently Chapter-at-Large, have competed internationally with the Pride of Baltimore chorus.

Members: Molly Plummer, Leslie Wodday, Valerie Hadfield-Rasnake, Kim Hudson

2008

Vocaldente

The press is unanimous: vocaldente's singing technique is "professional", their "verve is phenomenal", and they're "sparkling with imagination". Critics say they offer a "high level in singing performance", with their "funny spoken interludes" and "imaginative, passionate choreography" - and that they're known for the "professionalism in their performance": Onstage they're "fitting and harmonic", "witty and fresh", "charming and professional"... simply "harmonic, funny and good" with a "refreshing naturalness”. And the press is not alone in its praise: vocaldente have managed to convince jurors from all areas of vocal and a cappella music, from classical style to voice pop, such as John Potter (former The Hilliard Ensemble member), Ward Swingle (founder of the The Swingle Singers) and Anders Jalkéus (The Real Group). The quintet have prevailed at the biggest and most significant national and international vocal and a cappella competitions in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Members: Tobias Kiel, Ansgar Pfeiffer, Niklas Turmann, Johannes Gruber, Tobias Wunschik

2007

DoubleShot!

DoubleShot! - Pittsburgh's only All-Vocal Band is proud to make their Harmony Sweeps debut in DC as the second ever Pittsburgh group to compete at the DC Regional. One part a cappella group, one part vocal band, six parts hardworking, fun, and audience-friendly (and usually several generous parts beer), the guys combine the selections and styles of contemporary a cappella with those of more traditional styles. They keep to a simple philosophy: to make music as fun for the performers as it is for the audience. In this, their first full year together, the guys recently began performing semi-pro in the Pittsburgh area this past fall. They can be found in venues ranging from sports stadiums to cultural district haunts to dive bars and back again.

Members: Luke Clavey, Eric Manalo, Michael Bodnar, Dave Wilson, Nate Wildfire, Mike Yanchak

2006

Regency

Regency (Baltimore, MD): This outstanding five man vocal musical ensemble began singing on the street corners of Baltimore nearly 20 years ago. Incorporating their own stylistic interpretations of Swing, Motown, Rock 'n Roll, Beatles, and even Country Western into their songs, Regency brings alive the music that America has learned to love. Their repertoire includes the hot sounds of today mixed with the Motown magic of yesterday – including the music of Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, The Righteous Brothers, Sam Cooke, and The Temptations. The group's dynamic stage presence, original choreography, and unique ability to engage their audiences produces an energetic and entertaining show with audiences invariably clamoring for more after each finale. The ensemble has appeared in concert with many national headline acts including Sinbad, Patti LaBelle, The Temptations, Manhattan Transfer, Ramsey Lewis, Spyrogyra, and The Four Tops. Regency has come in second twice – once in 2003 and again last year. Will this year be their year?

Members: Dewayne McNeill, Milton Ames, Aubrey Brown, Jr., John Tiller, Isaiah Simmons

2005

Cartoon Johnny

Cartoon Johnny is an energetic vocal band that pushes the limits of traditional a cappella. Drawing on influences from classic soul to modern alternative, they've crafted a sound and a repertoire of sure-fire favorites and original music that brings audiences to their feet show after show. The group has performed up and down the East Coast, and has been honored to share the stage with some of the best in the business, including DC favorites DaVinci's Notebook and 2003 Harmony Sweepstakes Champions The Idea of North. Harmony, rhythm, and soul, with a touch of mischief and a whole lotta fun - that's Cartoon Johnny

Members: Kieran Daly, Kevin Dixon, Ben Feeney, Mike Henrickson, Darcy Romano, Mike Webb

2004

Mosaic

Mosaic is a six-man a cappella group with an off-the wall style, intricate harmony, and a "get up out yo' seat" beat. They cover a wide range of popular music in new and exciting ways. Mosaic is a collaboration of minds and talents that form a truly unique show you don't want to miss.

Members: Corwyn, John, Sean, Josh, Troy, Andrew

2003

The Idea Of North

The Idea of North is regarded by its peers as one of the best and most unique live musical acts in Australia. Over the last few years as one of Australia's only fully professional vocal quartets, they have reinvented a cappella and taken it to new heights. Their stunning visual presence and incredible sound has built them a legion of adoring fans here and across Europe, Asia and the USA. The Idea of North is an exhilarating live act presenting a blend of uniquely arranged contemporary classics and original material. Thus at their own concerts and at corporate events audiences are treated to a show that includes spectacular original arrangements of artists as varied as Sting, Stevie Wonder and The Bee Gees, together with an eclectic mix of jazz, soul, gospel and originals. Having played with some of Australia's greats, including James Morrison and Don Burrows, "The Idea of North" has been shaping this new sound in music now for over eight years. It's a style grounded on the classic musicianship that these four friends crafted at two of Australia's premier music academies, the Canberra School of Music and the Elder Conservatorium of Music (Adelaide).

Members: Trish Delaney-Brown, Naomi Crellin, Nick Begbie, Andrew Piper

2002

Tone Rangers

Yee-haa. We are the Tone Rangers. Ruthless marauders of song, we pillage for pleasure. We are true blue buckaroos, who sing "Babaloos". Highly leveraged, yet prudently diversified, The Tone Rangers ride again. As the name suggests, the Rangers are a just barely domesticated group of free-spirited a cappella songsters. Although mostly policy wonks, computer geeks, and lawmen by day, they roam the badlands of the mid-Atlantic by night in search of distressed frontier folk and serve them a helpin' of vocal music and free legal advice. Combining sharp wit and tight vocal harmonies, they right wrongs where other groups dare not go. Yee-haa. Git along, little doggie.

Members: Joel Malina, Jamey McNamara, Gil Keteltas, Kenyon Erickson, Mike Beresik, John Bader, Gene Stomecki

2001

4:2:Five

4:2:Five is not your parents' a cappella. What used to be street-corner barbershop and doo-wop, has now evolved into a fresh new sound and 4:2:Five is right at the breakpoint. With driving vocal bass, slamming vocal percussion, and tight harmonies, these five young men create a sound that is all their own using nothing more than their highly trained mouths. 4:2:Five has performed at the 2000 Orlando International Fringe Festival, on several radio stations, and won Ed McMahons internet based talent search www.Nextbigstar.com. The guys have been seen at NBC's Today Show, every news station in the Orlando area, and you might even catch 4:2:Five on a television commercial or doing a jingle on the radio. 4:2:Five's unique sound is derived from the diverse backgrounds of it©ˆs members, the individual talents possessed by each, and the belief that the music always has and always will come first.

Members: Earl Elkins, Jr., James May, Layne Stein, Geoff Castellucci, Scott Porter

2000

Toxic Audio

Toxic Audio is a 5-member theatrical mixed vocal band who combine popular and original songs, musical improvisation, and comedic sound effects in their high energy performances without the use of musical instruments. The Toxins create their unique sound by combining tight a cappella harmonies with vocal percussion and voice effects processors. Styles include contemporary pop, rock-n-roll, jazz, hip-hop, comedy, and improvisational songs. They've traveled across the country performing their concert show and opening for the likes of Tony Bennett, Ziggy Marley, The Rippingtons, and The Bobs. Their self-titled debut CD is a mix of original and cover tunes with unique twists. They've performed in a variety of venues across the country including New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Washington D.C. and Colorado as well as appearing for the past year at Walt Disney World.

Members: Rene Ruiz, Jeremy James, Paul Sperrazza, Shalisa James, Michelle Mailhot

1999

Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage is a sketch comedy, a cappella group that hails from New York City. They have performed at venues such as Caroline's Comedy Club, The Bottom Line, Catch a Rising Star, The Duplex and The Bitter End in the Big Apple and all over the tri-state area. They were named "outstanding Musical Comedy Act" at the BackStage Bistro awards and were also Grand Prize Winners on Americas Funniest People. Minimum Wage will be hosting the East Coast A Cappella Summit in Boston this summer and most recently they appeared on Fox TV and can be heard on Comedy Central singing the Little Donnie Foundation theme song for the Upright Citizens Brigade.

1998

The Acapelicans

The Acapelicans are a three part ensemble from Melbourne, Australia that formed out of a love and mutual respect between Carl Pannuzzo, Sarah Liversidge, and Simon Nugent. Their combined voice pays a unique homage to the wondrous mystery of music through the dynamic possibilities of harmony in a repertoire of songs that is both sensitive and challenging. The Harmony Sweepstakes Finals is the last stop n their North American debut tour where they have quickly developed a strong following with their reverent performances of poignant originals and uniquely arranged classics.

1997

Da Vinci's Notebook

Da Vinci's Notebook, Washington, D.C.'s award-winning a cappella quartet, takes four part harmony and stands it on its ear. Described as "Bobby McFerrin and 'Weird Al' Yankovic colliding on stage," their tight vocal blend, infectious humor, and madcap antics have made them a favorite on stages and at festivals throughout the country. Since the group's founding in 1993, their eclectic blend of a cappella harmony - a fusion of doo-wop, jazz, bluegrass, calypso, opera, and rock - has evolved into a unique show that the Washington Post called "exuberance...crashing off the walls!" The quartet has appeared at music clubs and fine arts series throughout the East Coast, including the Bitter End, the Birchmere, the Barns of Wolf Trap, and the Kennedy Center. Equally at home in front of large crowds, they have also performed at Birmingham's City Stages, the Taste of D.C., the Fairfax Fair, and dozens of other festivals. Internationally, they have toured France and the Caribbean. Winners of the 1997 Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes Festival, Da Vinci's Notebook has been featured on NBC's Today Show, on Comedy Central, in the Washington Post and Washington City Paper, and are frequent guests on local radio stations.

Members: Greg "Storm" DiCostanzo, Richard Hsu, Bernie Muller-Thym, Paul Sabourin

1996

Return To Zero

Andrew C. White, Sammy Pawlak, Marshall Webb, and Doug Teel began singing together in the early nineties while performing with the Hollywood Hi-Tones at Universal Studios Florida. Return 2 Zero was formed in 1994 and began singing at various theme parks and conventions. They competed in several national a cappella competitions, winning prestigious honors in group and arrangement categories. The extraordinary arranging talents of Doug Teel and Marshall Webb have carved out the sound that millions have grown to love from Return 2 Zero. For over ten years “the guys” have been surprising and delighting crowds daily at Disney’s MGM Studios as “Four For A Dollar.”

1995

Metronomes

1994

A Perfect Blend

1993

Brock And The Rockets