Hello Chicago Singers!

- Interested in acapella music?
- Looking for a local group of acapella friends and music partners in crime?

Hot Commodity is on the lookout for some new talent!!!

Hot Commodity, a co-ed contemporary acapella group, is currently auditioning all
voice parts. Please contact us at hotcommodityacappella@... for more
information and to schedule an audition. We rehearse Sunday evenings, and are
currently booking performances for fall and holiday concerts.

We hope to hear from all the star talent Chicagoland has to offer! Please check
us out on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Commodity/52365505207?ref=ts

On Richard! On Matthew! On Amy! On Dan!

THE BOBS' 2009 HOLIDAY SHOW features selections from their Rounder Records CD,
Too Many Santas as well as new, demented holiday chestnuts, covers of tunes from
The Beatles to Vince Guaraldi, and a healthy sampling of Get Your Monkey Off My
Dog and their upcoming NEW all-covers album.

Some Press about THE BOBS' HOLIDAY SHOW:

1) Seattle Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/musicnightlife/2008516997_zmus15bobs.html

2) Metroland (Albany, NY)
http://www.acappellanews.com/archive/001731.html

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WED 12/2/09 - EVANSTON, IL


JUDITH OWEN & HARRY SHEARER'S HOLIDAY SINGALONG

S.P.A.C.E.
1245 Chicago Ave.
Tix/info: 847-492-8860
http://evanstonspace.com/

The Bobs will be SPECIAL GUESTS in this hilarious holiday celebration hosted by
Harry Shearer (The Simpsons, Spinal Tap, Le Show) and tour-de-force-of-nature
Judith Owen (think Eddie Izzard meets Joni Mitchell). Additional special guests
are TBA. This show is a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic.

THIS IS NOT A FULL BOBS SHOW

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THU 12/3/09 - WATERLOO, IA


HAWKEYE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
TAMA HALL, HOWSE AUDITORIUM
http://www.hawkeye.cc.ia.us/artistseries/index.aspx

THIS SHOW IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT - But to put your name on the wait list, please
contact Barb Roeder at 319-296-4464 or broeder@...


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SUN 12/5/09 - LINCOLN, NE

LAFTA (Lincoln Association For Traditional Arts)
Vance D. Rogers Center for Fine Arts
O'Donnell Auditorium, Nebraska Wesleyan Univ.
(NE corner of 50th and Huntington)
Tix/info: 402-580-8656
http://www.lafta.net/mainstage.html

Go Cornhuskers!
The Bobs' return to the Plains is WAY overdue.
Local vocal group NO BETTER CAUSE opens.

Hello - As a member of the a cappella community, I am asking for your ideas. 
AcappellaFest, the Midwest's largest a cappella festival, has honestly been
struggling just a bit.  We've brought in folks like Scott Leonard of Rockapella,
The Bobs, Blue Jupiter and have even added workshops to the mix but have failed
to sell out!  What would it take to get you to go out and support an a cappella
event?  Who would you pay to see LIVE?  I guess by the number of your responses
we receive, we'll find out just how passive this list is or not.  Thanks. -Greg
Vaden, elmoTHUMM Entertainment; AcappellaFest Producer

 

Hello - As a member of the a cappella community, I am asking for your ideas. AcappellaFest, the Midwest's largest a cappella festival, has honestly been struggling just a bit. We've brought in folks like Scott Leonard of Rockapella, The Bobs, Blue Jupiter and have even added workshops to the mix but have failed to sell out! What would it take to get you to go out and support an a cappella event? Who would you pay to see LIVE? I guess by the number of your responses we receive, we'll find out just how passive this list is or not. Thanks. -Greg Vaden, elmoTHUMM Entertainment; AcappellaFest Producer

My high school son contacted the fest's organizer a couple of years
ago to ask if his HS acappella group (which has recorded yearly,
regularly makes BOHSA) could be part of your fest.

Frankly the response he got was discouraging. I don't remember who he
talked to but whoever it was, was dismissive bordering on rude.

Which is too bad for you and something to strongly reconsider for your
future, as the good local groups come with a built in family & friends
fan base and they could help spread the word thru local suburban
communities.

And it would be cool for the kids to have some exposure to the post-
school acappella singers. My son would have been thrilled to meet
Scott Leonard.

If you decide to pursue, I can put you in touch with Glenbrook North's
Ow! and also Glenbrook South's Nine (both male acappella, both
excellent).

Karen Jacobs

Great ideas coming in.  Keep them coming.  One idea I really like is moving the
event from Schaumburg to a Chicago school or University.  Anyone out there with
connections to either of these.  We use the Prairie Center because they support
a cappella.  Any school with a PAC or decent theater that would want to host an
a cappella event would be most appreciated.  Spread the word and let's see what
we can come up with as possible locations.  HAPPY THANKGIVING: -Greg Vaden,
elmoTHUMM Entertainment, AcappellaFest

Just saw the premier of NBC's "The Sing Off" featuring 8 all acapella groups. 
If you missed it, it is on again Tuesday night on NBC, 8:00.  It twas great.

Hello, everyone!  I just joined this group not too long ago and I was wondering
if any groups held annual audtions and/or if there were any openings available.

I am interested in getting involved with a group in Chicago, but haven't seen
many openings come across this message board.

Thank you, in advance, for your responses!
Lisa

Hello & Merry Christmas...

I'm sure at least some of you have been watching The Sing-Off.  I'll leave it at
that since everyone seems to have their own opinion.  But, hurray for a
cappella!  AcappellaFest will be starting to look at groups for our 2010 AF
concerts so if you or someone you know are interested in participating, it's
time to make your feelings known.  We are willing to consider any style, group
size, etc. but realize that most all groups participate because they want to and
not because they are getting a PHAT payday out of the deal.  It's a great
experience with lots of great entertainers.  We're hoping to have shows again in
Chicago and Detroit with plans to EXPAND into Ohio in 2010.

Let us know if your group would like to participate.

Thanks and again, HAPPY HOLIDAYS from AcappellaFest!
Greg Vaden
elmoTHUMM Entertainment
AcapellaFest Chicago, Detroit, and soon coming to Ohio!

For those who are serious about performing A Cappella Music of all genres, I
will be holding auditions for a newly forming group of mixed SATB harmony.

Please come prepared to perform 2 contrasting a cappella pieces and go through
some vocal blending exercises.

As prep for your audition please provide your vocal part and the types of music
which you are most passionate about performing.

Please contact Regina Sipla for questions and audition scheduling
RMSipla@...
847-738-1066

Acclaimed vocal band Vocal Chaos is in search of a 1st Tenor. If you are
interested, please continue reading.

Ideally, candidates can demonstrate:
* powerful, high solo voice
* versatility of tone and improvisation
* competent mic technique and comfortable performance style
* the ability to learn new music quickly
* the dedication to attend weekly rehearsals and a desire to perform regularly
* a positive attitude, maturity and willingness to work as a team

The following skills are a plus:
* sight-reading
* songwriting and arranging

Vocal Chaos is a part-time vocal band. We're a fun group of guys who love to
sing, perform and further the artform of a cappella. You can find out more about
us at www.vocalchaos.com.

If you think you've got what it takes to join Vocal Chaos, we want to hear you!
Please send an e-mail to auditions [at] vocalchaos.com and include the
following:

1. A brief bio and performance resume (groups you've performed with, what you've
sung, when/where/etc.)
2. Any audio/video clips of you showing off your chops (feel free to attach or
include a YouTube link)
3. A few words that describe why you think a cappella rocks!

Don't hesitate to ask questions. If you prefer to mail recordings and materials,
please request the mailing address in your e-mail.

Vocal Chaos
---
Co-Producers, AcappellaFest
2007 Harmony Sweepstakes Chicago Regional, 3rd Place
2003 and 2007 Harmony Sweepstakes Chicago Regional, Best Original Arrangement
Award Winners
www.vocalchaos.com
www.myspace.com/vocalchaosmusic
www.acappellafest.com

On January 18, 2010, the New Tradition Chorus (past international champions of
the Barbershop Harmony Society) will host an open house during our regular
rehearsal time--7:30-10:30 p.m.--designed to introduce our new Music Director,
Bryan Harden, to the community. All are welcome to attend. Location is our
regular meeting hall, St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road (just east of
Pfingsten Road), Norhbrook, IL.

Bryan comes to the New Tradition Chorus with over 25 years of experience in the
music industry, as both a performer and a director. He has previously directed
EPCOT Center's "The Voices of Liberty," Disney's premier a cappella ensemble,
and has served as a vocal consultant for many other clients, including Disney
Cruise Lines Entertainment, EPCOT Entertainment, Disney's MGM Studios, and
Warner Brothers Publishing. Bryan is also in frequent demand as a vocal
clinician for companies such as Music in the Parks and Educational Programs
Network. As a performer, Bryan has sung backup for acclaimed sacred artists such
as Steve Green, Damaris Carbaugh, Cynthia Clawson, Ray Boltz, and Larnelle
Harris. He also travels as a soloist with his own solo gospel CD entitled "Just
As I Am."

For more information, call Joseph Schlesinger at 773/935-0921 or e-mail
schlesmail@... , visit the New Tradition Chorus Web site (
http://www.newtradition.org ), or, if you are a Facebook member, visit the open
house event page ( http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=236359436554&;index=1
).

Hello All:

Those of you in or associated with area a cappella groups need to start
contacting us if your group is interested in participating in any or all of the
AcappellaFest concerts scheduled for later this Fall.  We will once again be
looking to see what the best fit for all the concerts will be and we will be
having at least one high school competition happening again this year.  So,
those Chicago area students interested in getting their schools involved should
get in touch with us soon as well.

AcappellaFest Ohio is set for Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010.  All other dates will be
released as they are confirmed.

Thanks and KEEP SINGING!
Greg Vaden
AcappellaFest
elmoTHUMM Entertainment

Chicagoland Area A Cappella

Seeking singers To Form Professional-level A Cappella Group!

I'm looking to form an a cappella group in Chicago that will sing great music,
covers and originals, and be serious about putting ourselves out there!

Have you ever wanted to make money as a singer?  Me too!  I'd like to form a
small group, 4 to 6 members, to try and make some money by doing what we love!

I'm looking for any male voice-type.  Arranging skills and sight-reading ability
is a plus, but not necessary.  The main requirements are adaptability,
confidence, being able to hold you own on a part and a passion for making music
and performing!

This is a solo effort and not connected to any outside business or management
company.  The success of this will depend on the hard-work and dedication of
it's members.

Commitment: A flexible schedule for gigs is certainly desirable.  Other than
that, I'd like to ask at least 3 hours of your time once a week.

Please send me an e-mail if you're interested in taking the plunge with me.  I
have professional experience and know what's required.

Hope to hear from you!

Phil

Hello - Detroit's elmoTHUMM here.  AcappellaFest (now in Chicago, Detroit, and
Ohio) will have announcements soon but I wanted to show the Midwest Vocalfest
some love and help to get the word out.  MV is happening March 14 in Marion, OH
and will feature 4 THE RECORD, Blue Jupiter, and elmoTHUMM.  This is an all-day
event with workshops and competitions so get out and join in on the fun.  Hope
to see you there.  GO SINGSTRONG (this weekend)! - Greg Vaden, elmoTHUMM

If your group would like to participate in this years AcappellaFest events,
there is still time to get in touch and get involved.

We are a brand new seven person (4 men, 3 women) a cappella group that rehearses
in the Andersonville area. We're only about two months old, and we've been
working on some great arrangements. We have decided that what we really need is
a second bass.

Our individual voices and styles are diverse, and we are planning on covering
popular songs from a variety of genres.

Because we're brand new, we don't have any gigs lined up yet, but we do plan on
hitting up some open mics as early as March. This is an ego-free group that is
very supportive of each others talents and diversity, and is focused primarily
on having FUN.

Please respond with a little info about yourself, and feel free to ask any
necessary questions.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Hello -

Greg Vaden here.  Canton Township has asked me to produce an a cappella
competition here in Michigan.  There will be a qualifying round happening May 29
at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill.  The winner of that event will be invited
to participate in AcappellaFest Detroit on Oct. 8 and be eligible to compete in
the finals happening June 19 with the winner receiving a $1,000 (min.) cash
award.  You must pre-register for this event by May 14.

Groups that have already competed and won other regional a cappella events from
around the country are pre-qualified for the June 19 finals.  They need only
pre-register by June 4 for the event by contacting me at (248)705-5985. 
Additional information will be posted to the events facebook page.  Search - So
You Think You Can Sing -.

Hope you can make it.
Greg Vaden
elmoTHUMM Entertainment