1994 Groups
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Bay Area
 | Boyz Nite Out
No Instruments? No Problem! Specializing in cover, pop and rockin' upbeat music, this high energy group combines all-vocal drums, guitars, and horns with smooth 5-part harmony to make you think there's an entire band on stage! For over 14 years, Boyz Nite Out has traveled throughout the world appearing at major festivals, corporate events and private performances. The group has worked with such artists as Ray Charles, ELO, Jay Leno, Kool & the Gang and Michael MacDonald and has released 3 full length CD projects selling over 20,000 copies in the United States and Japan. Members: Mark Baldi, Tom Griffin, Bill Craig, Tony Ridenour, Dave Innes     |
 | Vocolot
Vocolot takes its name from the English word "vocal" and the Hebrew word "kolot" meaning voices. Since 1988, they have been performing for audiences across the United States in English and Hebrew, with a sprinkling of Yiddish, Latino, Arabic and American Sign Languages. Vocolot draws upon ancient and contemporary sources that evoke the power of centuries of women's repertoire, primarily composed by Linda Hirschhorn, and mixes traditional modes with Folk, Jazz and Classical idioms to create an innovative sound. They are a California Arts Council Touring Artist and perform internationally, uplifting and enthralling audiences of all ages with songs of celebration, community and Jewish heritage. Members: Linda Hirschhorn, Rosalino Glazer, Ellen Robinson, Abbe Lyons, Naomi Winniwarter |
 | About Face
AF is an a cappella quartet whose unique vocal blend and engaging stage presence make this group one of the most sought after acts in the Bay Area. They have been making a name for themselves through appearances on TV and radio, as well as capturing prizes for "Best Original Arrangement", and they were the Bay Area Harmony Sweepstakes 1990 Champions. Their varied repertoire includes works by artists such as Sam Cook, the Police and the Jackson 5, in addition to original songs penned by gifted writers Mat and Murray. Members: Mat Silverman, Murry Orrick, Stan Johnson, Laurie Jones |
| Banned
Mona, Martin, Mel and Vern, veterans of Corner Market, 1993 Bay Area Regional Second Place winners, are joined by Elisa Smith, to create the rockin' hot sounds of The Banned. With five of the best solo vocalists/composers/arrangers/recording artists from the South Bay and beyond, this sensational new a cappella machine will fire you up and melt you down with its incendiary, percussive arrangements of pop-rock originals and cover tunes. Members: Mona Dena, Martin Puryear, Mel McMurrin, Vern Smith, Elisa Smith |
 | The G-Notes
TGN, are brothers and sisters who began singing together 3 years ago because they were "bored". Due to the favorable responses received whenever they performed, they have decided to give this singing thing a try and let it take them as far as their talents will carry them. Members: Shannon Garth, Gariel Garth, Lathanyo Garth, Larenzo Garth |
 | The Harmonic Convergents
Some thought they died in a bizarre gardening accident. Some thought they were stranded in a Turkish prison. But NO! The Harmonic Convergents are back! No Turkish prison. No accident. Just new outfits, new pets and a new album, "Plugged". You might recognize the Convergents from their appearance on World News Tonight after they won the Star Spangled Banner competition hosted by the Oakland A's in 1992. (Then again, you might not!). The Convergents boast an eclectic mix of material ranging from Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody to Andrew Lloyd Weber's Phantom of the Opera. Members: Jon Spencer, Suszi Lurie, Hal Brunette, Keith Barlow, Kara Broderick |
| Johnny Vocal
A hot new a cappella group drawn from such Bay Area institutions as The Flips, The Del Becks and Max's Opera Cafe. In addition to entertaining audiences up and down the coast, JV has been featured in radio jingles, promotional videos and at corporate functions. Each member has a distinctive solo style, and together, they are one voice - creative in its inspiration and powerful in its execution. From Harrah's to Candlestick, from the World Trade Club to countless 16th birthday parties (each one is a special event!), they've unleashed a groovy style of a cappella which doesn't rely on tricks or fads--just precise, heartfelt song. Members: Brad Hopper, Kirk Livingston, Jacques Pryor, Tom Tucker |
 | 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 |
 | Screaming Divas
Screaming Divas are: humorous feminine, ambitious, wary of categorization, in love with various men, incessantly dramatic, fashion conscious and well-accessorized, motivated by fear, indulgent in fabulous hair products, strange, exceedingly entertaining and they all have big feet. Oh, yeah, they can sing, too! Members: Mary Ann Boyd, Pamela Nissley, Danielle Nice, Lilli Oldfield, Tina Osinski |
| Syrens
The Syrens are an all-female a cappella quartet based in the Bay Area. Its members are all currently music students at SFSU. This eclectic mix brings together a dynamic range of vocal styles, incorporating concise, horn-like harmonies, percussive textures, combined with soulful leads by each member. The Syrens perform a versatile and unique set of original composers combining soul, pop and jazz. Members include: Jessica Grace, Jenni Little, Christy Winn, Karina Schwartz. Members: Jessica Grace, Jenni Little, Christy Winn, Karina Schwartz |
| Vocal Underground
"A cappellafunksoulrockingospeljazz" is the only word that describes the VU, short of "amazing". Since 1992 this 6 person vocal ensemble has seamlessly blended their individual voices to create the unique sounds that set them apart from all other vocal groups. The diversity of the singers is immediately apparent just by looking over their song list. It features contemporary tunes and familiar favorites with a new twist. By the end of each set, you have been taken on a musical journey. Members include: Paul Culala, Brady Fishler, Sally Jackels, Andrew Smith, Amy Williams, Marcia VanDerVinne. Members: Paul Culala, Brady Fishler, Sally Jackels, Andrew Smith, Amy Williams, Marcia VanDerVinne |
Boston
 | Vox One
Vox One is an award-winning a cappella jazz quintet that combines elements of blues, funk, gospel, and folk into their own brand of vocal music, which is "most adventurous and distinctive." - San Francisco Examiner. The group, formed in 1988, has since developed a unique style considered to be the cutting edge of a cappella. "This jazz quintet puts all kinds of throat sounds to such funky good use that listeners break into applause and - better - feel like dancing." - Boston Magazine. 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, Yumiko Matsuoka, Paul Pampinella, Paul Stiller |
| Big City Fish
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| Copley Square
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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. Members: |
| Rhythm N’ Blue
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| Think Twice
Members: Eden White |
| White Noise
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Chicago
 | 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. Members: Bryan Chadima, Marc Lionetti, Jonathan Minkoff, Nik Volgenau |
Los Angeles
 | Beachfront Property
"Beachfront" is not a piece of real estate along the ocean, but it is a hot property nonetheless. Described as sounding like "Manhattan Transfer" meets "Take 6," their smooth singing style combines the rich sounds of jazz with the fun and energy of pop music. They have shared the stage with Mel Torme, "The Four Freshman," "The Hi-los," Kenny Rankin, Crystal Lewis, "The Brothers Four" and "Emerson, Lake & Palmer." The success of Beachfront Property is found not only in a successful blending of harmonies, but in a blending of personalities. "Not everyone can sing in a group like this," says Tom Dustman, Beachfront's artistic director and bass vocalist. "It takes a special person to give, and give, and give." The object is to entertain while also preserving some of America's most beloved classics, he says. "No one person is the star." Achieving this feat takes a great deal of effort and a lot of self-control, as the key is to blend the voices. Beachfront's four-part blend is spun out in seemingly effortless fashion creating mellow and exciting, woven-together-like-cloth chords that treat the listener to arrangements of familiar songs with a whole new sound. Members: Michelle Caroll, Stan Castongia, Jennifer Dustman, Tom Dustman, Bill Mumaw, Jill Mumaw, Alyce Ohl |
 | Alley Cats
By bringing their own contemporary style to tunes from the 1950s and 60s, The Alley Cats appeal to fans of all ages, breathing new life into everyone's favorite doo-wop classics. The four members of The Alley Cats are a perfect blend both vocally and personally. More than a decade after they began, Royce Reynolds, whose solid bass vocals create the Cats' musical foundation, and Mando Fonseca, the second tenor always ready with a pun or quick quip, have the ease of familiarity which make their camaraderie and vocal play radiate from the stage. Baritone Sean Devine, whose smooth vocals melt hearts the world over, and newest member Juan Del Castillo, re-creator of all of those soaring 50s first tenor lines, bring their freshness and talent to an already solid foundation of a cappella tradition. Together they are truly the Cat's meow! Members: |
| Flawless
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| Jumblebee Jive
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| Kaleidoscope
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| Quintissentials
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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. Members: |
 | 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 |
| Just Us
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 | Things To Come
This group is comprised of four men who grew up together and have been singing together for over 20 years. Three of the members began harmonizing in the high school cafeteria--never for a moment visualizing anything more than just "doo-woppin", they have weathered many a storm and embarked on wonderful journey of music, friendship and life. In 1974, the fourth member joined the fold and they began performing at clubs such as Copacabana and at Brooklyn Academy of Music. They have recorded at Mediasound, Fist-o-Funk, Bolognese and other studios. Their first love, a cappella, is their forte. Without instrumental distraction, friendship and warmth permeate their performances-- infecting their audiences with rich harmonies, humor and a love song. To hear them is to love them! Members: Alfred Crowd, Daryl Miller, Gene Minor, Ronald Simmons |
New York
| A Perfect Blend
A Perfect Blend is an extraordinary R&B acappella group out of Philadelphia. They offer a unique combination of both stage presence and riveting vocals. Their exquisite blend of soul and doo wop vocal harmony has led them to appear at many of the area's most esteemed venues, including New York's Apollo Theatre where they won the talent competition on the nationally televised "Showtime at the Apollo" program. Members: Stephen Clement, Van Fields, Gibson Trowery, Katrina Trowery, Gary Williams |
Pacific Northwest
 | The Coats
The Coats vocal band started on the street corners of Seattle, Washington's famous Pike Place Market. Singing for tourists, locals, fish vendors, and fellow buskers, their humble ambitions of earning a few clams to fight off the tuition bills quickly evolved into a full-time international performance career. They've since won national vocal competitions, sang for the President of the United States, and have been fortunate enough to share the stage with such talented fellow entertainers as Ronnie Milsap, Trisha Yearwood, Montgomery Gentry, The Beach Boys, Tanya Tucker, Billy Dean, Crystal Gayle, and Colin Ray, just to name a few, all while continuing their tradition of outreach performances and workshops supporting music in schools throughout the northwest. Members: Kerry Dahlen, Jamie Dieveney, Joe Mele, Doug Wisness  |
Rocky Mountain
| Charm School Dropouts
These three versatile singers have been a part of the local music scene for years, and have entertained and delighted audiences by performing their acappella stylings in a variety of settings: clubs, concerts, and private parties, radio and television. Rythym & blues, gospel, comedy and rock & roll are some of the styles offered by the entertaining CHARM SCHOOL DROPOUTS. Members: Tia Marlier, Suzy Nelson, Diana Pierce |
 | Cool Shooz
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 | The Diners
Formed five and a half years ago, The Diners have become one of the busiest groups in Denver and the region, playing at a variety of local nightclubs, private and corporate functions. In recent years they were featured on CBS This Morning, opened for Ray Charles, represented Denver at the 1991 Harmony Sweepstakes Finals and released their CD-- Open All Night. After this year's competition, The Diners will return to the studio for release #2. Members: Doug Wisness, Paul Collier, Jeff King, Tom Price, Chris Rhodes |
| Distinction
Roslyn, Ervia and Roberta actually began singing together back in '84 when they were pledges for Alpha Kappa Alpha Soroity, Inc. The addition of Mary Louise lent another dimension to their distinctive style. Each is a talent in her own right and all excel in academics, theatre and music. Each has her own goals and aspirations and these ladies come together to combine rich, melodious tones. DISTINCTION re-cently returned from a tour of Honduras and Panama and have toured Asia for the Department of De-fense. They give thanks to God for blessing them with the ability to spread joy of music through their songs Members: Roslyn Bishop, Ervia P. Davis, Mary Hancock, Roberta Johnson |
| Et Cetera
The group was formed at UNC in 1989 and performs a wide range of vocal styles including swing, funk,pop, R&B and Latin. Their material is primarily written and arranged by the group members and alumni. ET CETERA performs at the UNC Jazz Festival. Members of the group have performed and served as judges at other festivals and summer musics camps thoughout the country. Members: Trist Curless, Janet Elder, Deb Fleming, Alison Roman, Brad Rees, Dave Sheehan, Wendy Whitby |
| Exact Change
Exact Change is made up of people who love a cappella music. They don't stick to the basics and they label their style as contemporary and innovative. If smooth, hip, and tight are your definition of a cappella, then you'll love EXACT CHANGE. The Contemporary A Cappella Society of America has dubbed them "One of the most original groups in the region" (and they were impressed by how few trumpets these guys use, too!) Members: Trist Curless, Jon Gonzales, Tony Huerta, Matt Selby, Amber Ward |
| Neighbors
They are just what their name implies, the typical guys next door who happen to sing not all that typical A Cappella. They are the guys you'd invite over for a bar-b-que, the guys upstairs who play the stereo too loud and the guys you see on weekends fixing their cars. The group has had many names and talented members over the years and has coalesced with a powerful unique sound. Their repertoire includes many A Cappella standards, but like the group itself, "diverse" is a better description of their musical style. Members: Kent Beaber, Jody Huddleson, Jonathan Moreno, Russel Perez, Scott Spalding |
| Silk Threads
It seems like only yesterday these guys started singing to impress the ladies. The fact that they could get paid for it--singing, not impressing ladies--was astonishing! They began focusing less on women and moreon their music and today their repertoire ranges from standard '50s doo-wop to gospel to Motown to more contemporary material. They realize that their musical talents can make money while their charm and good looks can hook the babes. With the addition of a new bass, the SILK THREADS hope to make the fifth time a charm here at the Harmony Sweepstakes. Members: Jim Carr, Man Martinez, Ray Paris, Dan Perkins, Derrick Pope |
| Zero Degrees
With influences ranging from jazz to opera, and everything inbetween, ZERO DEGREES is a unique blend of voices and musical backgrounds that come together in cool a cappella harmonies. Born from a passion for a cappella, ZERO DEGREES strives to maintain a creativity and freshness that capture the true essence of a cappella music. They're just five good friends having a great time. So, when its hot a cappella, it must be ZERO DEGREES! Members: Robert Garcia, Marc Howard, Mike Lang, Rick Johnson, Russ Schroeder |
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