17th Annual

The Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival, the premier American showcase for vocal harmony music, celebrates its 16th year in 2000. The annual national competition draws from hundreds of vocal groups from around the country with regional competitions in eight cities. The winning group from each festival is flown to perform in front of celebrity judges and a sold out house of enthusiastic a cappella fans at the National Finals.

2001 Denver Champions

T Minus 5

T MINUS 5 is the result of two different a cappella groups that hit the stage during the 90’s. After these two groups went their separate ways, a couple of the members from each group wanted to continue to perform. They collaborated with each other and agreed they would combine efforts in establishing a new and improved "vocal band". You couldn’t ask for five better individuals in a group. Each individual brings a specialty that is complemented by another member’s talent, creating a show that is both dynamic and charismatic. This quality is what gives T Minus 5 such a dynamic stage presence and overall personality. Visit them at www.tminus5.net.
Members: Kent Hyer, Jason Salmond, Joe Cheney, Jeff Petersen, Jared Allen

2001 Partcipating groups:

 

RAGING HARMONIES is from Westminster High School where they blend their unique personalities and styles to create their own a capella arrangements. Theyıve performed at various metro locations such as the Arvada Center, the Governorıs mansion, and the Soiled Dove. Theyıve also opened for groups such as Toxic Aide and M-PACT. For the past two years, Raging Harmonies has hosted the Colorado American Choral Directorıs Association A Cappella Festival, and in 1999 they were honored to perform for the Colorado Music Educators Clinic Conference. Their fine musicianship has helped them become well known within the Westminster community and throughout Colorado. They have just released their second CD, which has been nominated for the CARA award.

 

T MINUS 5 is the result of two different a cappella groups that hit the stage during the 90’s. After these two groups went their separate ways, a couple of the members from each group wanted to continue to perform. They collaborated with each other and agreed they would combine efforts in establishing a new and improved "vocal band". You couldn’t ask for five better individuals in a group. Each individual brings a specialty that is complemented by another member’s talent, creating a show that is both dynamic and charismatic. This quality is what gives T Minus 5 such a dynamic stage presence and overall personality.

 

IN UNITY has been on fire for the Lord since the formation of the group in September of 1991. Since then they have performed at various schools, churches, and youth rallies. Audiences around the world have been blessed by their music ministry. Having eight members has brought diversity to the group that sets them apart from most a capella groups. They have been able to incorporate different genres of music into their songs, ranging from gospel, to jazz, to a modern pop style. With so many people in the group, In Unity is able to reach out to people in a more personal manner after concerts and during other group functions. In Unity writes and/or arranges all of its music, giving the group a unique and original sound.

 

JAZZ KATZ will be performing at the Denver Regional Harmony Sweepstakes for the third year. They hope to warm your hearts with their silky vocals and smooth renditions of vocal jazz standards.

 

`TANGENT is a contemporary vocal band consisting of six members, ranging from 18 to 25. While their style varies from doo-wop to pure vocal instrumentalism, one thing is constant: entertainment! The group excels in giving energetic performances that are always specialized for the audience. `Tangent emphasizes pure vocal blend and contrast in their arrangements, and they combine these with powerful bass and driving vocal percussion lics to achieve a strong, memorable sound that audiences can’t help but enjoy. If you want to hear a cappella that will make you laugh, cry and dance, you’ll want to see `Tangent!

 

INSIDEOUT A CAPPELLA – As a ‘vocal band’, InsideOut’s performance teams with tight harmonies anchored to a solid deep bass and committed to the pulse of phenomenal vocal percussion. InsideOut’s full sound realizes a variety of musical styles and a broad repertoire ranging from golden oldies to hits of the 80’s and 90’s, including original songs, clever parodies, and a cappella favorites. In addition to the music, their show thrives on comedy and crowd interaction. Every listener becomes involved in the performances and leaves uplifted and totally entertained. The magic of InsideOut’s music also continues on their three CD’s, "Innocence," "Experience," and "Reverence."

 

LoDo AIR BAND – This group calls itself the "Air Band" because air is the only instrument they play… all a cappella, all the time. Since starting as a house band for Elitch’s Amusement Park in 1996, the LoDo Air Band has provided non-stop a cappella service to Denver and the World, and has performed for more than a million people. The group is currently promoting its second album, "Upright and Locked."

 

COOL SHOOZ are former regional Harmony Sweepstakes Denver champions (1998 and 1996). What they do is classic rock n’ roll a cappella and they can be seen at such summer festivals as the Northglenn Fourth of July celebration, Longmont’s Rhythm on the River, the Greeley Arts Festival, among many others. The group has been together since 1990. Their unique sound is a blend of many years of experience in opera, voacal, jazz, musical theater and rhythm and blues.