1991 Participating Groups
 | | Bay Area
About Face
About Face is the a cappella version of the 7-piece dance band by the same name, whose unique vocal blend and engaging stage presence make this group one of the most sought-after acts in the Bay Area. The members have been making a name for themselves in the local community through appearances on local radio and TV, as well as capturing prizes for "Best Original Arrangements" and "Best Bay Area Group" in the 1990 Harmony Sweepstakes. They appeared on the TV show "Big Break" in December 1990. Their varied repertoire includes works by such artists as Sam Cook, the Police, and the Jackson 5, as well as original songs penned by gifted writers Mat Silverman and Murry Orrick.Members: Murry Orrick, Stan Johnson, Mat Silverman, Laurie Jones
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Chicago
Back to Back
Back to Back sings a wide variety of a cappella vocal music from old standards to contemporary dance tunes. Their dynamic blend enhances their unique arrangements. The sound is topped off with a lot of charisma, which makes for a memorable performance. This Chicago-based group is compromised of six musicians whose professions range from student to teacher to businessman. Their love for music brought them together to form "Back to Back."Members: Doug Anderson, David Cannon, Karyn Carbray, Joyce Lyons, Kristy Smith, Mike Sparnhour
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 | | Rocky Mountain
The Diners
Formed 2 ½ years ago by placing a classified ad in a local newspaper, The Diners have carved a niche for themselves in the Denver music scene. Featuring five strong voices, they perform everything from classic rock and original music to some of the best Doo-Wop of the past 30 years. Besides their busy stage schedule, they have also written and recorded jingles for restaurants and radio stations, and have been featured numerous times on Denver television stations. The Diners regularly perform at a variety of local nightclubs as well as for public and private events. |
New Orleans
The Friendly Travelers
The Friendly Travelers are veteran singers who have been singing for over 30 years, since 1959. They sing for the joy of singing and to share God's praises throughout the entire world. The Friendly Travelers sing gospel exhilaration music ranging from new songs they have written themselves to old standard tunes they have rearranged. |  | |
 | | Boston
North Shore A Cappella
For the last 26 years, North Shore Acappella has entertained and excited thousands of listeners throughout the Boston area, adding an experienced blend of harmony, rhythm and tempo to songs from the 40's right up through today. This special art of delivering music without instrumental accompaniment is what North Shore Acappella is all about. The award-winning group offers a continuously fresh repertoire of hundreds of popular hits that cover the last five decades. Each number and performance is arranged in a way that showcases each member in a role of lead singer - a trait that very few acappella groups in the country can claim.Members: Tommy Duarte, Paul Lopes, Jimmy Martin, Vinny Straccia, Richie Willis
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Los Angeles
Vocal Motion
Vocal Motion is a unique a cappella group comprised of six versatile vocalists who carefully blend musicianship and entertainment. In addition to their vocal abilities, each member is a composer and arranger, three group members are Grammy award winners, and one is a Grammy nominee. Equally adept on the concert stage and in the recording studio, Vocal Motion is capable of performing virtually every style of music. Individually and collectively, Vocal Motion has sung at over 10,000 recording sessions, 1,000 national commercials, countless TV shows and major motion pictures, and albums with or for artists as varied as Bette Midler, Michael Jackson, Sergio Mendes, Michael Bolton, Lionel Ritchie, Crystal Gayle, Peter Cetera, Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Ronnie Milsap, Air Supply, Joe Sample, Water Becker, Ray Charles, Rod Stewart and David Byrne. Vocal Motion is the sound and energy to capture the spirit of the 90's.Members: Randy Crenshaw, Angie Jaree, Peter Hix, Bob Joyce, David Joyce, Patti Linsky
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1991 Judges
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Kevin Burns
Kevin Burns is a long time Bay Area music business veteran who is generally considered the "ears" of Bill Graham management. Mr. Burns handles acts such as Joe Satriani, Eddie Money and the Neville Brothers. The Bay Area entertainment community also depends on him as a source of the best and worst jokes of the day. |
Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman is a leading Bay Area reviewer who has been the entertainment critic for the market leader KGO radio for twenty years. He is president of the San Francisco Bay Area Theater Critics Circle and president of the Palace Of Fine Arts League. He has produced shows for Harrah's in Lake Tahoe and Reno and has been a comedy writer for years. |
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Don Novello
Don Novello, who is perhaps best known as SNL's Father Guido Sarducci, has appeared in numerous films (Tucker, New York Stories, Godfather III) and on television (both as writer, performer and has published two books: the best-selling The Lazlo Letters and The Blade). A Marin resident he studied a cappella while chanting at the Vatican. |
Kelly McRae
Kelly McRae works in management and artist relations, developing new talent, for Grammy award winning record producer Narada Michael Walden and Perfection Light Productions at Tarpan Studios in San Rafael. She has been active producing concerts and event in the Bay area for seven years, including last year's Bread & Roses Festival of Acoustic Music, and has been associated with a la carte, a la park, SF Fair & Exposition, The 50th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, The SF Marathon, In Concert Against AIDS and a number of other events. She has booked many of the groups appearing in the Harmony Sweepstakes, including The Bobs, Pastiche and The Edlos |
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Peter Tork
Peter Tork made his mark as one of the "pre-fab" four, The Monkees,, who out-sold such luminaries as the Beatles and Rolling Stones during the two-year run of their TV show in the late 60's. Returns and a successful reunion tour kept the Monkees' name before the public eye almost continuously until as recently as 1989. In between times, Peter performed solo, taught voice, guitar and keys privately, and, taught academics (English Languages) for three years at schools in southern California - even coaching baseball! He can be found performing casually in Marin and San Francisco from time to time and plans to record and tour in the near future. |
 
Complete list of 1991 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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