1997 Groups

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Boston | Chicago | Rocky Mountain | Los Angeles | New York | Pacific North West | San Francisco | Mid Atlantic (DC)


Bay Area


Ro Sham Bo

Ro Sham Bo brings a surprising and exciting spark to the Bay Area vocal music scene. Ro Sham Bo's roots are steeped in jazz and funk, and their performances deliver an inspired blend of complexity and ease. Most group members are music educators or music educated, arrange, perform, and direct not only for Ro Sham Bo but for groups from San Jose to Black Rock City, and have taught students from Stanford University Jazz Workshop to Jazz Camp West to Blue Bear School of Music.

Members: Bonnie Doyle, Audrey Kauffman, Arinoe Bacogiannis, Will Flash, Tim Lukaszewski, Paul Kim
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Sweet Deliverance

Sweet Deliverance has been singing Christian a cappella for over 30 years. Members have changed over the years but the tradition of tight harmonies and praise to our Lord has not. This semi-professional group is based in the San Francisco bay area and tours primarily in California. Originally, Sweet Deliverance began in 1976 at Oklahoma Christian by 4 young men, one of whom was Kevin Allsup. Kevin, the group's originator, grew up in Manteca, California, where they became based.

Their newest member is David's younger brother, Stephen Morgan. Both David and Stephen have an extensive singing background, as they have been singing a cappella music in their own family group for many years. Now, with six men and a new recording, they are lifting their voices for God's glory, in full force. Looking back, it is obvious that God has seen them through good times and bad, and they know that it is He who has given them the voices to praise Him. They continue to offer Him their lives, their songs, and their voices for the encouragement and the uplifting of Christ's church.

Members: Bob Allsup, Kevin Percival, Gary Ferguson, Russ Wooten
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SoVoSo

SoVoSo is a highly imaginative a cappella ensemble that sings a unique, rhythmic mix of jazz, gospel, world and R&B music, all rendered in their trademark improvisational style.

The SoVoSo repertoire consists of original compositions and other songs that present a global perspective, from Afro-Latin idioms to traditional funk and jazz arrangements. Two SoVoSo members (Joey Blake, past member, and current member David Worm) are current members of Bobby McFerrin's a cappella group, Voicestra, performing with him from 1993 to present.Currently you will see David Worm, Sunshine Becker, Bryan Dyer and Zoe Ellis in this vocal band line-up, along with other great singers such as Nicolas Bearde, Ashling Cole and Vernon Bush. The SoVoSo family of singers continues to expand as this one of a kind musical project grows and flourishes.

Members: Sunshine Garcia, Dave Worm, Joey Blake, Rhiannon, Nic Beard, Melanie
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+4db

+4db is an a cappella quintet who's sound is as diverse as it is smooth. With a repertoire that ranges from jazz standards to contemporary pop, +4db straight-up swings and surprises. Formed in 1996, this award-winning ensemble makes its home in the San Francisco Bay Area. 1998 saw them champions of the Harmony Sweepstakes San Francisco Regionals, where they also earned Best Arrangement for the second year in a row. Their local success harbingered national accolades, with their memorable sound securing Second Place and Best Arrangement at the 1998 Harmony Sweepstakes National Finals. Judges aren't the only ones who dig the delicious harmony of these five voices. +4db has also won Audience Favorite each time they've participated in Harmony Sweepstakes regional and national competitions. +4db released their eponymous debut CD to much fanfare just this January.

Members: Paul Cingolani, David Duran, Juliet Green, Jay Jordana

9th Cabaret

9th Cabaret is an a cappella quartet featuring Glenn Myles and his three daughters, Michelle Myles Queen, Simone Myles Young and La Reva Miles. They sing nostalgic music of the 20s, 30s and 40s as well as original songs.

Members: Glenn Myles, Michelle Myles, La Reva Myles Ratoosh, Simone Myles Young

All Family Boys

Sacramento-based group made up of 4 brothers, "Noah"-"King"-"G"-"J.T." originating from the South Pacific Islands of Samoa. Known as the "Big Boys of A Cappella" or more appropriate "Two Tons of Fun", audiences everywhere are taken back not only by their soft harmonic sounds, but also by their physical appearance as each member weighs over 300 pounds. They love to hang around the 50's, 60's, 70's/Motown/Gospel, which can be heard on the release of their 1st tape "Looking Back".

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Apex

Apex is a young, exciting sextet from the Bay Area. With their energetic and animated stage presence and diverse selection of pop, rock and R&B tunes, they are captivating audiences everywhere. They create a fun mix of popular cover tunes with the unique addition of Filipino ballads to create a cross-cultural treat, sure to delight any audience.

Members: Leo Chan, Anthony-Chris Lorenzo, Errol Viral, Lawrence de Guzman, Andrew Gapuz, Audrey

Mary Schmary

Mary Schmary are like a group of irrepressible friends: they are zany, infectious, and full of energy, and sometimes they drive you up the wall.

Hidden Agenda Items is an album that puns twill and tuille, sings about Babar the Elephant and parodies Peter, Paul and Mary by singing If I Had a Hamster. It combines moments of sweet music and true originality (Bug Girl) with an overdose of vocal takes, laughing-in-the-studio tracks and almost funny riffs. I bet they were funny if you were there, or part of a good-natured, drunken late-night collective. But before midnight, sober listeners end up missing out.



Members: Cynsa Bonorris, Myriam Casimir, Marie DesJardins, Michelle Long

On Q

Entertaining the Bay Area since 1992, On Q sings all kinds of popular music arranged in the barbershop style. As musical leaders of Petaluma's 125-member Pacific Empire Chorus, Sweet Adeline's Debi Thomas (tenor), Leah Brooks (lead), Donna Spitzer (baritone) and Barbara Harp (bass) enjoy the thrill of ringing chords many nights per week!

Members: Debi Thomas, Leah Brooks, Donna Spitzer, Barbara Harp

True Spirits

True Spirits is a modern-day, highly uplifting gospel singing group, that is based in the greater Oakland area. A vision was sent from heaven and the group came together in March 1996. God divinely selected each member for this ministry and each is devoted to His service. We are confident that prayer is the key, out faith in God shall lead us and sustain us through all our endeavors. Our mission is to glorify God through song and praise.

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Boston


aka Pelican Groove

The members of A.K.A. Pelican Groove love to joke around, hence the name (phonetically, "A Cappella Can Groove!") But seriously, their sense of humor has sustained an 8-year-long collaboration that has brought them to many new and exciting places (both musically and geographically). Over their history, they¹ve performed at hundreds of venues, including corporate events, club dates, wedding gigs, outdoor shows, community concerts, and live appearances on television and radio. One morning last spring, the group made their "drive time" debut on Boston¹s Star 93.7 FM morning show. That same evening, they performed the National Anthem on the hallowed grass of Fenway Park (GO SOX!) Last summer, they had the privilege of sharing the stage at Boston¹s Hatch Memorial Shell with Nile Rodgers and Chaka Khan. A.K.A. Pelican Groove released its first CD "Plunge" in 1999. With a diverse repertoire that spans classic R&B, doo-wop, 70¹s soul, 90¹s alternative, pop originals, and more, A.K.A. Pelican Groove looks forward to entertaining you tonight, as they bring their own brand of groove-based, "funkified" a cappella into the new millennium.

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Drawn To Scale



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Five o’Clock Shadow

Five O'Clock Shadow (FOCS) is a Boston based, all vocal rock/pop band. By using amplification and some basic effects added onto their voices, FOCS is able to create the same sound and energy as any rock band....but without using any instruments!

FOCS has been featured on VH-1's "//break.through/", FOX News, WB's Morning Show, A&E, ESPN, PBS, and more. They have also sung for the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and the NFL Hall of Fame. And through their Vocal Challenge program, FOCS has presented concerts and workshops to thousands of music students from coast to coast.

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Happy Cat



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Seven Seconds



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Silkwood



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Talk To The Hand

Talk To The Hand is a women's a cappella quartet, rocking out in venues in and around Boston. These foxy ladies use no instruments, except their four voices. Listen to some clips, and marvel that such a full, luscious sound can emanate from these four wee lasses. Hang on to your hat, as you experience Talk To The Hand covers of a mind-boggling variety of pop, rock, and country artists - all rendered with the magical touch of The Hand. Can you handle The Hand?

Members: Emily Iarocci, Laura Larson, Sarah Littlefield, Liz Whitelam
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The Digressions



Members: Tony Berke

The Wicked Pitches



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Wonkavator



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Chicago


Signature



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Chicago Voice Exchange

CVX is an entertaining award-winning five-member a cappella group based in Chicago. CVX is a three -time winner of the Midwest Harmony Sweepstakes competition, and has entertained crowds at venues such as sports events (Cubs, Sox and Bulls games, the World Cup), holiday events, festivals, industry conferences and bake sales.

One of the first actions of the group was to argue long and hard about what the name of the group should be. There were a whole host of possible names: WeWopDoo (from Peter Harlan, master of cheese), New Caboose, Vox Populi, Digital Voice Exchange, Five Guys named Moe, etc. Eventually, a compromise was reached with Chicago Voice Exchange. Hurrah.

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The Essentials

The Essentials have ushered in a new decade with a new member, new sound, new CD, and renewed enthusiasm.

Called "one of the finest acappella groups in the world" by one reviewer and "musical geniuses" by their mothers, The Essentials continue to sell-out shows while reinventing themselves and are now emerging on the international stage with some new twists on some age-old ideas.

"It's been a great journey so far but that was really just a warm-up," said band member Dan Speck. "Since Janet joined the group in the last year, we've basically reinvented ourselves. But we won't ever get away from what got us here - strong vocal harmonies and performances, tied to unforgettable melodies. Maybe we should have called the CD Nothing But New instead of Nothing But Blue!"



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Blind Man’s Bluff

Bluff rock is vocal rock - more than vocal. more than rock. aggressive. dirty. human. texture that tingles. both familiar and surprisingly unique. gritty but not grating. edgy but not hard edged. a sound you've never heard before. unquestionably modern. undeniably rock. rich. dark. driving. enticingly organic. depth without pretention. no holds barred and widely appealing. what you're waiting for - believe your ears.

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Octane



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Throat Culture

Describing themselves as "eclectic a cappella," Throat Culture's diverse material draws upon a variety of influences, including gospel, doo-wop, classic pop and Motown. Alto Betsy Brickey puts her creamy tone to good use on "Chameleon" and "Sweet Dreams" (Eurythmics). "Damaged Goods" is reminiscent of the style and vocal inflection of Stevie Wonder. Their songwriting style is personal and original, and tends toward dark themes of love and loss, but with an irreverent twist.

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Vocal Point

Vocal Point was originally founded in 1969 as an ensemble of 12 women accompanied by a piano, simply called 'Women's Ensemble'. Gradually, the group began performing more songs without accompaniment, and by the early 1980's the group was fully transformed into the all-female a cappella group that Vocal Point is known as today.

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Vocomotion



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Voice By Choice



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Los Angeles


Main Street

Mike McGee, Myron Whittlesey, Tony DeRosa and Roger Ross bring a combined 100+ years of barbershop experience to the stage. Notable past quartets include Keepsake, Max Q, Metropolis, Platinum and Rounders. While their involvement within the Barbershop Harmony Society is impressive, all four members have been or currently are performers at Walt Disney World with the Dapper Dans of Main St. USA and/or the Voices of Liberty. Entertaining audiences outside of barbershop venues include performances in film, television, radio and musical theater.

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Awaken A Cappella



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Diva Complex

What do you do with four women who crave constant attention? Diva Complex started in 1995 when these not-exactly-demure women realized the mere adulation they received as professional choral conductors was not sufficient - they wished to be revered as singers also. (And to be perfectly honest, they wanted to spend more quality time together discussing men, massages and M&Ms.) From the moment the Divas take the stage, audiences realize this is no typical girl group. With repertoire ranging from Renaissance to rock and roll, the controlled chaos of the show swings from sensuous to sublime to saucy. You wouldn't expect a group like this to agree on everything; however, they do confess a collective susceptibility to gorgeous harmony, and have been known to weep ecstatically at a really good chord progression (a highly technical phrase learned in their many years of schooling). Diva Complex's exuberant appearances on radio, TV and in sold-out concerts continue to amaze and delight audiences all over California. As expressed by one audience member, "This group brings impeccable musicianship and an irreverent sense of humor together in a performance which can't be missed! Wait a minute? that's the King Singers. Well, Diva Complex is pretty good, too. Great dresses!"

Members: Amy Fogerson, Ruth Ballenger, Alison, Lori

JA'A



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This Side Up



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Mid-Atlantic


Tone Rangers

This award-winning Washington D.C.-based vocal group is celebrating their 25th anniversary delighting audiences from coast to coast with its dynamic blend of tight harmonies, inventive arrangements and keen wit. In a few choreographed minutes, the Tone Rangers propel through 900 years of Western music--from Gregorian chant to classic rock to TV theme songs--in a fresh approach to contemporary a cappella music and comedy.

Nominated for seven Wammies by the Washington Area Music Association in the past four years, the Tone Rangers were voted the Best A Cappella Group four consecutive years (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) and even won Best A Cappella Recording in 2007! They were also national finalists in the 2002 Harmony Sweepstakes (the Superbowl of a cappella), and three-time winners of Mid-Atlantic "Audience Favorite" and "Best Arrangement" awards. To listen, go our MySpace page.

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Annapolis Vocal Corps

Annapolis Vocal Corps, a mixed septet from Annapolis, Maryland, was named a Best Find by music critics at the Baltimore Sun. The group performs contemporary arrangements of songs from the 40s to the 80s; from classic jazz to classic rock. Recent AVC performance highlights include an appearance at the White House and a singing the national anthem at Camden Yards.

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Company B

Company B hails from Maryland. They are a registered quartet with Sweet Adelines, International and are part of the international chamionship Elkridge Chorus. Company B has performed throughout the metro Washington area.

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

DC’s Finest

DC’s Finest consists entirely of current and former D.C. police officers. The group focuses on doo wop classics from the 50s and 60s, delivered with the authenticity of singers who grew up with the music. D.C.'s Finest has performed at the Kennedy Center, New York's Apollo Theater, and many other locations.

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Doo Wa Zoo

Doo Wa Zoo, a six-person mixed group from New York City, combines choreography with dynamic original arrangements of pop, rock, R&B, and classic jazz, and performs original compositions as well. The group performs throughout the New York area, including singing the national anthem for the New Jersey Nets, and entertaining commuters in the Music Under New York program.

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Synergy

Synergy began singing in 1992 and is based in Richmond, Virginia. The male vocal quintet performs songs from the 40s to the 90s and have just returned from a month of singing at Knott’s Berry Farm. They have entertained audiences throughout Virginia and have spent the past four summers performing at Paramount’s Kings’ Dominion.

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Venus dMinor

Venus d Minor, founded two years ago in Annandale, Virginia, performs pieces in a wide variety of musical styles, including pop, jazz, pop, standards, classical, and new wave. This female sextet’s repertoire includes songs originally performed by groups ranging from the Beatles to the Bobs, often writing new lyrics to familiar tunes.

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New York


Five O'Clock Shadow

Five O'Clock Shadow (FOCS) is a Boston based, all vocal rock/pop band. By using amplification and some basic effects added onto their voices, FOCS is able to create the same sound and energy as any rock band....but without using any instruments!

FOCS has been featured on VH-1's "//break.through/", FOX News, WB's Morning Show, A&E, ESPN, PBS, and more. They have also sung for the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and the NFL Hall of Fame. And through their Vocal Challenge program, FOCS has presented concerts and workshops to thousands of music students from coast to coast.

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Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage is a group that can only be described as inventive, insane and delightful! Picture the Marx Brothers, Forever Plaid and the Flying Karamozov Brothers rolled into one. Por example, one might witness a lecture on Spatula techniques that goes hilariously awry. Or a capricious, musical history lesson about the "'Histoire du le Burger." Or even a rap number with wildly eclectic choreography. They won a Bistro award for Outstanding Musical Comedy Act by BackStage Magazine and in 1999 they were chosen as the Mid Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes Champions and went on to win "Audience Favorite" in the National Finals. They can be seen pseudo- regularly on the Food Network's, Doorknock Dinners and other TV appearances include The Fox Network, Comedy Central, Good Day New York, The Veronica Network and America's Funniest People(Grand Prize Winners).

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Beat' Achon



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Club Spanky



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Conn Artists

The Conn Artists is a 7-man a cappella ensemble that performs throughout Connecticut. Available for hire for all occasions, including musical performances, their musical repertoire ranges from Doo-Wop standards to complex vocal jazz to rock classics to sacred songs. The ensemble specializes in the "classic blend", execution of the musical phrase and crafting wicked original arrangements.



Members: Martin Brayboy, John Carlson, Dave Callahan, Mike Costantino, Charles Dear, Doug Rollins, Peter Sachner

Five Kings



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Legatto



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Simply Mystique



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Sons & Lovers



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Special Delivery



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Whatever 4



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Pacific Northwest


Kickshaw

Kickshaw has been performing in the Northwest for about five years now. They have been involved in hundreds of shows, where each audience is a part of a unique mouth-music experience.

In early 1997, Kickshaw won first place in the Regional Harmony Sweepstakes competition. This is a title only awarded to nine groups throughout the nation each year. Following the 1997 competition, Kickshaw decided that they were ready to pursue music full time.

In search of their own sound, Kickshaw began working with some effects to extend their already eclectic repertoire. This addition was an instant hit with their audiences as they were able to create the sounds of a full band, effects and all, with just their voices giving Kickshaw a sound all their own.

Members: Jim Castaneda, Danny Figgins, Andy Marshall, Blake Lewis, Dan Scheumacher
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A Cappella-Go!



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Gin and Phonics



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Gorilla Max



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Klapa Doo Wopella

Klapa Doo Wopella is one of the world's oldest ongoing musical ensembles devoted exclusively to singing a cappella. KlapaDooWopella specializes in traditional Croatian "Klapa" singing. Klapa singers are a cappella minstrels that hang out on boat docks and street corners along the Adriatic coast of Croatia. The passionate harmonic blend of traditional Klapa songs evokes uncaught fish, raging seas, and lost love. Despite forays into other genres, the quartet always returns to its first love, the moan of the sea that is the primal chord of the Klapa song.

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Nature Boys



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Special Edition



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The Swordsmen



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Rocky Mountain


Graffiti Tribe

Graffiti Tribe was founded in 1990 by Dan Perkins and has had an interesting decade. They took home the awards of Regional Champions in 1995 and again in 1997 for the Denver Regional Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival. Since touring most of the country as one of America's most popular college acts, The Tribe has signed an exclusive record deal with Jakarta Records and will soon be touring and distributing their CDs on an international level. The Tribe is working on a new CD project which will somewhat stray from their a cappella roots. Fear not a cappella fans! This group won't leave their first love all together. Be on the lookout for the Tribe to be doing bigger and better things than ever before in the new millennium!

Members: Richard Jordan, Dan Perkins, Tim Rosendo, Marc Young




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