2001 Participating Groups
 | | Mid-Atlantic
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 its members, the individual talents possessed by each, and the belief that the music always has and always will come first.Members: James May, Layne Stein, Geoff Castellucci, Earl Elkins Jr, Scott Porter
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Pacific Northwest
Eclipse 6
Eclipse is a vocal group of six creating explosive sound, driving rhythms, and lush harmonies using only one instrument: the human mouth.
The six members of Eclipse originally met while performing in a public relations /ambassador-oriented group that was part of the department of Programs and Entertainment at Utah State University. They began by arranging their own vocal covers of popular songs and performing them on campus and in the Logan area. Increasing public interest and performance opportunities led to the recording of their first album, "Once," which was released in April 2001.Members: Kevin Jones, Shayne Taylor, Pat Rose, Paul Hansen, Dan Kartchner, Kirk Mecham
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 | | Bay Area
Freestyle
Current Champions of the Far Western District, barbershop quartet Freestyle are known for not only their great singing but also their zany antics, characterized as "a few fries short of a Happy Meal." Recently named Entertainment Champions at the prestigious Buckeye Invitational, their memorable show is sure to please, and members of the group have appeared on countless stages and milk cartons throughout the land. Tenor Todd Kidder recently gave up his dream of being the first 5 ft. 9 in. center of the NBA, while bass Bruce Morgan is the (Volvo) owner of a (Volvo) dealership in (Volvo) Santa Rosa, but does not use this venue (Volvo) for his own personal (Volvo) gain. Baritone Andy Wallace is an unassuming financial mastermind, collecting paperclips in his spare time. Lead Rich Brunner is the best-looking member of the quartet and his mother really loves him. It’s Freestyle entertainment tonight!Members: Bruce Morgan, Rich Brunner, Andy Wallace, Todd Kidder
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Los Angeles
Sixth Wave
January 2005 brought on a season of change for us, as Amy Fogerson left the group and was replaced by Jennifer Barnes. Shortly thereafter, both Gerald White and Gary Rosen also made the decision to leave the group to pursue other ventures, which created openings filled by tenor Greg Whipple and baritone Greg Jasperse. This 50% new group is now eagerly working towards the goal of being a powerful and cohesive musical unit, adding exciting new repertoire while maintaining the spirit and integrity for which Sixth Wave has always been known. Please keep checking back for new and exciting news and updates as things progress.....Members: Cindy Bourquin, Amy Fogerson, Gerald White, Elin Carlson, Gary Rosen, Eric Bradley
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 | | Boston
SoRare
So Rare 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! Members: Jannis M. Williams, Donna Manoogian, Karen Christofi, Arlene Isaac
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Rocky Mountain
T Minus 5
As a nationally-acclaimed and award-winning a cappella group, T Minus 5 is known for delivering a high-energy musical performance that combines pop, classic rock, a bit of country, and even elements of comedy
The group has been together since 2000 and traveled throughout the country performing for Universities, Arts Councils, city events, and corporate conventions. Simulating all instrument sounds with just their voices, T Minus 5 is a high-energy a cappella group providing fun for the whole family.
T Minus 5 claimed first prize at the Denver Harmony Sweepstakes in 2001. Having only been a group for a year, they advanced to the national competition, and have been on a performing rampage ever since. Their energy and humor win them new fans wherever they go.Members: Jason Salmond, Joe Cheney, Jeff Petersen, Kent Hyer, Jared Allen
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 | | Chicago
Voice Trek
Voice Trek has been thrilling listeners with their impeccable vocal skills since 1987. Their astonishing adaptability and inventive arrangements have defined this vocal quintet as one of the topmost in their genre. Based in Minnesota, the all-original members of Voice Trek are Shelley, Vicki, and Rae Plaster - three sisters who are known for their dazzling vocal mix; the group's tenor, Denis Allaire, specialist in vocal percussion and vocal instrumental sounds; and bringing up the bass is the dynamic Kevin Smith - the irreplaceable bottom line.
A multitalented and prolific group with numerous CD's in their catalog, Voice Trek has appeared in performance venues around the globe. Voice Trek's newly released CD "An A cappella Trek" is already receiving enthusiastic reviews from fans and critics alike.Members: Vicki Plaster, Rae Plaster, Denis Allaire, Shelley Plaster, Kevin Smith
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New York
Vox Bop
Vox Bop is a mixed a cappella quartet with ultra-smooth voices reminiscent of The Manhattan Transfer and a wry baby-boomer sensibility. Founded in 1995 by David Deschamps, who also does the arranging, Vox Bop was interviewed and featured in a 12-minute piece on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" on Christmas Eve 1999. They can be currently heard in a national Amazon.com TV ad and were featured as the house band on NBC-TV "The Ainsley Harriott Show." Vox Bop's first CD, THE VOX BOP CHRISTMAS VARIETY HOUR, has been much acclaimed: it was nominated for a 1998 CARA award, with one of the cuts ("Mission of The Three Kings") winning Best Arrangement at the 1999 NYC Harmony Sweepstakes. In the summer of 2000 Vox Bop performed at The Alandia Jazz festival in Finland and has also made a name for itself performing for a variety of clients throughout the Northeast, including Bloomberg Financial, Bloomingdales, Borders Books, The Brooklyn Museum, Filene, The New Press, Starbucks, and many others. The group finished in the top five at the NYC regionals of the 1998 and 1999 Harmony Sweepstakes and is currently at work on their new CD, "Affluenza." Members: David Deschamps, Johanna Grussner, Maura May, John Bischoff
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2001 Judges
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Steve Baker
Steve Baker has been the Executive Director of the Freight & Salvage since 1996. Since its founding in 1968, the Freight has been a leading presenter of a cappella music—perhaps, as some have described, "the home of Bay Area" a cappella.” Groups who have performed there include The House Jacks, Bobs, M-Pact, Kitka, Hookslide, Edlos, Da Vinci's Notebook and many others. Before joining the Freight family he worked in the nonprofit arts sector as an attorney and a program administrator and attorney. In addition, Steve plays guitar and performs regularly with his musical cohorts at clubs and private events throughout the Bay Area. |
Sandy Cressman
Professional singer, instructor, composer and arranger Sandy Cressman began her professional career with the acclaimed vocal trio "Pastiche", who won the Harmony Sweepstakes back in 1987. After recording and touring with Pastiche, Sandy branched out, following her love for Latin music, and forming a new group, "Homenagem Brasileira", who have been performing in major festivals and venues since 1997. She will release her second Homenagem Brasileira CD on August 1 of this year. As a session singer, Sandy has recorded with such diverse artists as Eddie Money, Jonathan Cain (Journey), Pete Escovedo, Ray Obiedo and Jai Uttal and the Pagan Love Orchestra. Sandy is a Governor of the San Francisco Chapter of the Recording Academy, and teaches private lessons and classes at Cressman Studios, Blue Bear School, and the Music Center of San Francisco. |
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Rhiannon
Rhiannon is a performer, master teacher, composer and recording artist with five albums on her own Rhiannon Music label. She continues to perform and teach internationally, is initiating a certification program based on her unique approach to vocal improvisation and is working on her first book, The Vocal River. She is an assistant professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston specializing in vocal improvisation.
A vibrant, gifted singer, performance artist, composer, and master teacher, Rhiannon has been bringing her unique and potent blend of jazz, world music, improvisation and storytelling to audiences for over three decades. From her stellar collaborations with the all-women’s jazz ensemble Alive! to a cappella ensemble SoVoSo to Bobby McFerrin and Voicestra to her ground breaking solo and ensemble performances, Rhiannon enthralls and inspires her audiences. The unique body-based vocal improvisation and sound healing process that she teaches internationally is a result of living in these times as an artist on the cutting edge of music and theater |
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Complete list of 2001 participants
Interested
in
Performing?
We are always seeking groups who would like to participate
in our events.
Groups of any style are welcome, but you must have between
3 and 12 members. We have a rule book which explains many of the
details of the event, which you can see by clicking here. All groups must audition in
order to compete. Generally this is done by sending a current tape
and photo, although live auditions are sometimes arranged. The
purpose of the audition is to make sure the group is appropriate for
the Festival and to help the Director determine the performance
order. If a group has competed previously, the audition process may
be waived.
How to enter
Please send music and photos to the
regional director :
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