1999 Participating Groups
| | allright
allright is a men's a cappella sextet from the University of Southern California. The group was founded by Michael Landau and Jonathan Redford in the fall of 1998. Bringing East Coast men¹s a cappella style to Southern California, they added the spice and intensity of r&b harmonies. Inspired by groups like Take 6 and Boyz II Men, allright is about singing to and from the soul. allright’s first concert was at an a cappella festival on December 11th, 1998 at Bovard Auditorium. An instant hit, a vision suddenly became a reality. Things fell into place from there as allright quickly emerged into the a cappella community.Members: George Artope, Nikhi Korula, Michael Landau, Adrian Fontanilla, Tyan Bolger, Rob Powell, Rob Ruiz
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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: Ruth Ballenger, Alison, Lori, Amy Fogerson
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Dreamtimers
They started together as a group in Octover of last year. The Dreamtimers take you back to the era of The Pied Pipers, The Modernaires, and the Four Freshmen. With many years of combined experience, including solo work, vocal jazz, and barbershop, Ron Adrienne, Dean, and Bonnie come together for their debut performance with a dreamy new sound. | | |
Infusion
This phenomenal Gospel Ensemble was established in January of 1989 at the North Pasadena Church of Christ in Pasadena, California. The two Brothers whose input was instrumental in establishment of the group are Dwyane Lundy and Marcus Jerome Lundy. The age range of the group members are 19 - 40 and over. Infusion consists of 6 uniquely talented young Christians and they were joined together by mutual inner desire to share the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Ministry of Song. The group has made a tremendous impact on all kinds of audiences, with their rare blend of synchronized A Cappella harmony. Infusion¹s self-produced studio recording projects included: ³Infused by the Word of God² and their recent project ³Infusion Live!² They overwhelm audiences both young and old with their authentic style and breathtaking presentation. Their outstanding, multi-talented lead vocalists bringing the roof down every time they touch the microphone. They are prolific and unexhausted with constantly new and upcoming appearances in various lcations and on a variety of settings - private and public, including their radio shows and live performances. | | |
Inner Voices
Inner Voicesare Los Angeles-based session singers led by vocal arranger Morgan Ames. They have been performing together since the 80s. They have been profiled on CBS Sunday Morning, have toured Japan, performed on KCET, KTLA Morning News, the Jim Belushi Show and many others. They have recorded albums for Rhino, Laurel, Song River and Japanese Victor. They have performed for the Juvenile Diabetes Association, the Betty Ford Center, the Society of Singers, the AME Church and twice for President Reagan. They have sung and/or recorded with Kenny Loggins, David Benoit, Dave Grusin, Johnny Mathis, Dori Caymmi, Smokey Robinson and others. Each Christmas season they perform their highly acclaimed, sold out a cappella show in Los Angeles.
Between them, they have performed, recorded and/or toured with almost every major artist in the business.Members: Shelby Flint, Melissa Mackay, Michael Mishaw, Morgan Ames
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Ja’a
When you think of Ja'a, think deep, "funkafied" harmonies. These six gentlemen give you the power and the blend of soulful music that settles into the heart. Their vocal sounds give a smooth and sophisticated flow to all the songs that they touch. These brothers of harmony have continued to move beyond the boundaries of contemporary sound displaying their musical influences from jazz, R&B, contemporary a cappella, funk, pop, and gospel. The members of Ja'a share the vision of transcending the conventional barriers in music and are prepared for "Just About Anything," the operative theme which characterizes their music, attitudes, personalities, and the essence of Ja©ˆa. Since their origin at UCLA back in 1995, Ja'a has been acclaimed for their complex harmonies, a knack for vocal instrumentation, and a flair for appealing original arrangements. Their sophisticated sound is a testament to the heart and soul that they invest in their music and performances. Showcasing their versatile style, this sextet has performed from Vegas to LA, San Diego to the Bay and Asia soon on the way. Their spirit and belief in their dream has led to the release of their second CD "Outside the Lines". This group of friends looks forward to sharing their gifts with all who will listen.
Listen to:
Ja’ackson | Listen to:
Hands To Heaven
Members: Roger Mationg, Lars Sahanaja, Paul Santos, Mike Trias, Mikey Whitfield, Francis Alcantara
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| | Naked Voices
Naked Voices have been singing since September 1998 and they offer "no excuses" a Cappella music. They sing whatever they want to. Their six members' tastes are so eclectic that they pick a song on a whim. They do their arranging and stretch each other's imagination to the limit.Members: Cynthia Colbert, Mark Israel, Marie Johnson, Andy Oliver, Leslie Andrew, David Silva
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| | Primitive Soul
Primitive Soul, (formerly Pandora's Vox) blends R&B with World Beat and mixes in jazzy harmonies to create original a cappella music that has gotten the attention of AL's live music scene. They've done the Sunset Strip, appearing at The Whiskey-A-Go-Go, The Roxy and The Key Club, as well as Hollywood's Genghis Cohen, and Highland Grounds. Come hear what happens when five people with diverse backgrounds and musical tastes get together!Members: Carla Bellefeuille, Malayna Khalid, Byron Torres, Even Dorn, Emile Hassan Dyer
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| | Sons of Anacreon
Sons of Anacreon are the ultimate devotees to the esteemed personage of Anacreon, possibly the first poet to write of Wine, Women, and Song. They are an a cappella, Victorian themed, plaid-encrusted, rowdy and rousing comedy team which has played a variety of venues in the LA area ranging from English and Irish pubs and Horse-Drawn Carriages to the Santa Monica Pier and Dickens and Renaissance Festivals.Members: Patrick Franz, Michael Norris, Damien Elwood, Jonathan Graff, David Springhorn
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| | Three of Hearts
Prepare to be charmed, astonished, amused and entertained by Three of Hearts. Drawn together by the sheer joy of making music, these three talented performers light up any stage or event with their harmonies and off-beat humor. They offer an unusual eclectic mix of music, blended with their own brand of humor and panache. Their repertoire ranges from swing, jazz to popular songs of the ages, plus original material written by members of the group. They have a full interactive Holiday Repertoire for seasonal celebrations. The energy and enthusiasm that Three of Hearts brings to their stage presentations is guaranteed to leave you with smiles on your faces and songs in your hearts.Members: Terry Lieberstein, Ellen Rand, Kris Kennedy
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1999 Judges
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Anna Callahan
Anna Callahan has been singing and arranging for a long time. In college she sang in the University of Michiganís Amazin' Blue, directing the group for two years. The group won two CARA awards during her tenure, one for Sting's "An Englishman in New York", in which Anna sang the saxophone line, and one for her arrangement of Mister Mister's "Kyrie Eleison". These songs can be found on BOCA 1 and BOCA 2 CDs, respectivily. Early in 1996, Anna published her first book, "The Collegiate A Cappella Arranging Manual," the only book out there on the subject. For three years, Anna earned her keep as a self-employed musician by gigging, teaching private lessons and classes, and doing arrangements. She arranged both privately for non-a cappella groups (both vocal and instrumental) and for CASA's Ultimate A Cappella Arranging Service. Anna recently moved to Los Angeles where she is putting together a vocal jazz trio and a vocal big band. |
Karl Jacobs
Warner Brothers Records |
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Dan Jordan
Dan Jordan is an international Gold Medalist and a lead vocalist with the group ³New Tradition² (1985), a four time Bronze Medalist, and lead vocalist with ³The Grand Tradition² (1980, 82, 93), as well as with ³The 139th Street Quartet² (1992). He is well knows for his musical contributions on the multiple Gold and Platinum Records with Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson, and The Simpson¹s. He is an owner and a music producer for Global Entertainment Management Services. Dan co-founded World A Cappella Association, and proved with his long-standing commitment to be an leading member of AFTRA, ASCAP, NARAS, SAG, and SPEBSQSA. |
Dave Kapp
Dave Kapp joined Rhino Records in December 1988. He was the driving force behind the company¹s acclaimed Med Torme box set, as well as the three-CD Poptopia! Power Pop Classics Of the Œ70¹s, 80¹s, and Œ90¹s. series (the upbeat harmonies that fill the Rhino halls Friday nights invariably come from his stereo). Prior to Rhino, Dave had worked at both a distributor (City One Stop) and at retail outlets (Music Plus and Wherehouse). Recently, he has been promoted from a position of National Sales Manager to Associate Director of Sales for Rhino Records, ensuring that all Rhino product is available for purchase everywhere. ³Dave has built the non-WEA side of our business into a very profitable and growing segment of Rhino,² says Bob Carlton - the label’s Vice President. |
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Complete list of 1999 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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Tom Keyes (Los Angeles)
Tom is a passionate and dedicated a cappella facilitator, event producer, and music director. He is the Director of Operations for A Cappella Academy, and previously has served as the exec. producer of the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival, and as director of the Contemporary A Cappella League (while still part of the Contemporary A cappella Society: CASA.org). With a considerable background in performance, vocal, and instrumental music, Tom was bitten by the a cappella bug in 2009 when he decided to create and direct his own group, the award-winning Frequency, and has been a strong advocate of all-vocal music ever since. Still music directing Frequency (vocalfreqs.com) as well as a spiritual center, he balances music, work, and family, and lives with his wife and three children in South OC.
tom.keyes@vocalfreqs.com
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