Dear Friends,
 
Believe it or not, we are only two weeks away from the 2011 Harmony Sweepstakes Mid-Atlantic Regional! 

Don't be the only one left without a ticket!  Go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?keyword=Harmony Sweepstakes or stop by The Birchmere Box Office any night there is a show!

Returning to host this year from NYC are last year's champs West Side 5 (http://westsidefive.tumblr.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/westside5)

We are excited about our diverse and talented group of competitors.  We had one competitive group drop out (The Lake Effect), but the rest of the lineup remains the same:

·        The Agency, Washington, DC (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Agency/205309119484214)
·        Da Capo, Washington, DC (http://www.dcsingers.com/ or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dcsingers)
·        DoubleShot!, Pittsburgh, PA (http://www.double-shot.net or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/doubleshotvocal)
·        4 The Record, Upper Sandusky, OH (http://4therecordmusic.com/, or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/4therecord)
·        Harmonization Without Representation, Washington, DC (http://www.facebook.com/looseinterpretationsnyc#!/pages/Harmonization-Without-Representation/55557962256)
·        Justus, Pittsburgh, PA (http://justus-music.webs.com/ or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justus/162587390459614)
·        Loose Interpretations, New York, NY (http://www.facebook.com/looseinterpretationsnyc)

Here are the details on the show:
·        Date:  Saturday, April 2nd, 2011
·        Time:  7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5)
·        Location:  The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA, 22305, www.birchmere.com
·        Ticket Price: $29.50 plus Ticketmaster fees
http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?keyword=Harmony Sweepstakes

Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=132044526866176

We look forward to another fantastic show! 

Thanks as always for your support!
 
Best regards,
Ted Donat
Regional Director
Harmony Sweepstakes Mid-Atlantic Regional
and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Production Team

Dear A Cappella Fans and Friends,
 
At this time next week, we should be wrapping up the first half of the 2011 Harmony Sweepstakes Mid-Atlantic Regional, and we don't want you to be stuck at home, wishing you were at the legendary Birchmere in Alexandria, VA hearing some of the best a cappella in the country! 

And here's another reason to grab your ticket early:  the show is being featured in The Washington Post Express next week, and we expect a lot of walk-ups as a result, so please don't leave it till the last minute!

Go *right now* to http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?keyword=Harmony Sweepstakes or stop by The Birchmere Box Office any night there is a show to get a ticket!

Here's our all-star lineup:

A very long time ago (seems like), a group of Cornell alums met to sing and never stopped.  Either due to intoxicating harmonies, insatiable silliness, or inertia, they eventually called themselves the Tone Rangers and laid siege to the Harmony Sweepstakes, King Street Blues, Jammin' Java, and many other venues.  

Fresh off their 4th consecutive Wammie for best a cappella group in the DC area, the Tone Rangers are excited to kick off their 25th year of existence with a Stampede!  Join them at The Holton-Arms School with their special guests, the Cornell University Hangovers (the group from whence the Rangers evolved).  This event will be a fundraiser for the Cornell Club of Washington Scholarship Fund and will include the WORLD PREMIERE of a historical documentary:  Tone Rangers:  the first 10,000 years.*

Get on the Tone Rangers mailing list and/or buy tickets today by visiting www.tonerangers.com.  

Date:  Saturday, April 9, 7:30 pm

Location:  The Holton-Arms School, 7303 River Road, Bethesda

 * documentary lasts 3 minutes

Here's an article in Express Night Out about the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Harmony
Sweepstakes Festival:-

http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2011/03/mid-atlantic-sweepstakes-a-capell\
a-festival-birchmere.php

John Neal

Dear A Cappella Friends and Fans,

I'm coming out of retirement just long enough to let you know about a fabulous night of a cappella that you should not miss! 

Come see legendary a cappella group Rockapella with special guests and DC faves Cartoon Johnny at our beloved Birchmere on May 5^th!

Details below.

Hope to see you there!

Best,
Ted Donat

---------------------------

ROCKAPELLA IS BACK WITH A "BANG"!

America's Leading A Cappella Group to
Perform at the Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, VA on May 5, 2011
 
Rockapella is back with a "Bang"!  With the celebration of their long-awaited new studio album titled, "Bang," this awe-inspiring quintet of vocal talent returns to the Birchmere Music Hall on Thursday, May 5, 2011. If you've missed their concert in the past, DON'T MISS IT THIS YEAR!  With new songs, new staging and new surprises, this is the show not to miss.

The world's most loved five-man contemporary pop vocal phenomenon known for their astonishing live performances and their 5-year stint as the house band on the PBS hit kids game show, "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?", delivers a breathtaking album that stays true to the group's roots, melding soul, rock, rhythm and blues together to form their trademark style of contemporary pop music. "Bang!" It's startling…exhilarating…impossible to ignore. It features 12 all-original tracks (at least one written by each band member), plus a bonus track cover of Vampire Weekend's, "A-Punk."  

The little miracle that keeps the crowds coming back year after year and constantly drawing new fans is Rockapella's astounding full-band sound that seems to be impossibly coming from just five guys with microphones. No instruments, no tracks, no mirrors – and their hands never leave their wrists. "We're making every bit as much music as the whole `Glee' chorus – but with only 5 guys," says Rockapella's human beat-box Jeff Thacher.

"We make it rock and make it interesting," explains Scott Leonard, the group's chief songwriter, arranger and architect of their evolving dynamic sound. USA Today summed up the lasting appeal like this, "The best musical instrument of all is the human voice – if you've seen Rockapella you know that's the truth."

WHO:      Rockapella (www.Rockapella.com)   
WHAT:    An Intimate Evening with Rockapella with Cartoon Johnny!
WHEN:  Wednesday, May 5, 2011, 7:30pm.   
WHERE:  The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305
TICKETS:  At Ticketmaster.com or call (800)745-3000. Tix also available at Birchmere Box Office, from 5-9pm, any night we have a show.

"Bang" can be purchased through Rockapella.com via digital download, physical CDs and even a Deluxe Package which includes two Live Bonus tracks and a microphone shaped memory stick with the album preloaded onto it.

Recently, Rockapella released the first ever a cappella track on the Rock Band Network with the title track from their new album, Bang.  Rockapella's Jeff Thacher on the track's inclusion - "Many of our fans are probably saying to themselves "Of course!" We're utterly excited to be on Rock Band... I think it's definitely one of the coolest moments in Rockapella's history!"


About Rockapella
The group was formed for the sheer love of performing; singing on New York City street corners with a hat out at their feet. They caught the eye of a producer putting together a television special titled "Do It A Cappella," hosted by filmmaker Spike Lee. This in turn led to a daily appearance on "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?"  Since then, Rockapella has become an international sensation, touring throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Korea.   Rockapella has released 20 albums over the last 20 years, with their most recent being Bang.

After sold-out national tours year after year, including sold-out performances with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra, Rockapella guarantees each of their concerts will deliver an unrivaled and joyful musical performance that cannot be found anywhere else. 

All of Rockapella's members are accomplished musicians.  Super-bass George Baldi was formerly a member of the band that later became Boyz 2 Men; Steven Dorian comes to Rockapella straight from the world famous stages of Disney, having played many major roles in Disney productions, including Disney's Festival of the Lion King.  Scott Leonard leads the group musically, shaping Rockapella's characteristic sound by writing, arranging and producing most of the group's material. John Brown has performed across the country, on- and off-Broadway, and has shared stages with greats such as Phil Collins, Tina Turner, and Julie Andrews. Rockapella boasts the jaw-dropping, unique, and powerful talents of Jeff Thacher, a pioneer and leader in the mouth percussion world, who anchors the group's instrument-less sound.
 
For more information on Rockapella, tour dates and ticket sales, visit www.ROCKAPELLA.com.

About Cartoon Johnny

Cartoon Johnny is an energetic vocal band that pushes the limits of traditional a cappella. Drawing on influences from classic soul to modern alternative, they've crafted an exciting sound that is often mistaken for an instrumental band - but it's all vocal.

Based in the Washington DC area, Cartoon Johnny performs a variety of sure-fire audience favorites and their own original music, bringing audiences to their feet show after show. They are two-time National Harmony Sweepstakes finalsists, winning the title for the Mid-Atlantic Region in 2005, and in New York in 2009.

Cartoon Johnny has shared the stage with some of the best in a cappella and beyond. Highlights include headlining ACappellaFest Detroit in 2010, and performing with Marvin Hamlisch in his Christmas special at the Kennedy Center in 2008. Hamlisch invited the group to join him for his July 4th concerts in San Diego in 2009.

For more information on Cartoon Johnny, visit www.cartoonjohnny.com.

As unfamiliar as barbershop quartet singing is to the general public, the way it was arranged and performed in its heyday, during the dawn of mechanical recording (about 1895 to 1923) just prior to the Jazz Age, is even less frequently heard or appreciated even among today's modern barbershop society aficionados.

Saturday May 14th (at 2pm) in Queens, NY, will be a rare opportunity to hear it performed live (and accompanied). as it actually was.  This is a chance to discover and enjoy the vitality and artistry that made it the popular music of choice used to launched the record industry.

FREE concert  info at:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=202065713167407 

St. Michael's Cemetery, in East Elmhurst, will pay tribute to Scott Joplin (interred in St.Michal's) with a FREE concert featuring the Victrolian Vaudeville Quartette, accompanied by renowned jazzman, traditional jazz authority, recording artist and bandleader Dan Levinson  & his Canary Cottage Dance Orchestra. Works will include music by Scott Joplin (who arranged for his own Quartet and the Opera Treemonisha) and other vernacular composers.

The Victrolian Vaudeville Quartet: Scott Brannon, Lead, Paul Santino, Bass, Neal Siegal, Bariotne, Bob Kelly, Tenor 

Dan Levinson, C-melody saxophone/clarinet, Matt Szemela, violin,  Harvey Tibbs, trombone, Conal Fowkes, piano, John Gill, banjo , vocals, Kevin Dorn, drums, Molly Ryan Vocals  

Hope you can make it out to see Rockapella with local faves Cartoon Johnny tomorrow night (Thursday) at The Birchmere!

Details below.

Best,
Ted Donat

--- In midatlantic-acappella@yahoogroups.com, "tdonat1" <tdonat@...> wrote:
>
>
> Dear A Cappella Friends and Fans,
>
> I'm coming out of retirement just long enough to let you know about
> a fabulous night of a cappella that you should not miss!
>
> Come see legendary a cappella group Rockapella with special guests and
> DC faves Cartoon Johnny at our beloved Birchmere on May 5th!
>
> Details below.
>
> Hope to see you there!
>
> Best,
> Ted Donat
>
> ---------------------------
>
>
> ROCKAPELLA IS BACK WITH A "BANG"!
>
> America's Leading A Cappella Group to
> Perform at the Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, VA on May 5, 2011
>
> Rockapella is back with a "Bang"! With the celebration of their
> long-awaited new studio album titled, "Bang," this awe-inspiring
> quintet of vocal talent returns to the Birchmere Music Hall on Thursday,
> May 5, 2011. If you've missed their concert in the past, DON'T
> MISS IT THIS YEAR! With new songs, new staging and new surprises, this
> is the show not to miss.
>
> The world's most loved five-man contemporary pop vocal phenomenon
> known for their astonishing live performances and their 5-year stint as
> the house band on the PBS hit kids game show, "Where In The World Is
> Carmen Sandiego?", delivers a breathtaking album that stays true to
> the group's roots, melding soul, rock, rhythm and blues together to
> form their trademark style of contemporary pop music. "Bang!"
> It's startling…exhilarating…impossible to ignore. It
> features 12 all-original tracks (at least one written by each band
> member), plus a bonus track cover of Vampire Weekend's,
> "A-Punk."
>
> The little miracle that keeps the crowds coming back year after year and
> constantly drawing new fans is Rockapella's astounding full-band
> sound that seems to be impossibly coming from just five guys with
> microphones. No instruments, no tracks, no mirrors – and their hands
> never leave their wrists. "We're making every bit as much music
> as the whole `Glee' chorus – but with only 5 guys," says
> Rockapella's human beat-box Jeff Thacher.
>
> "We make it rock and make it interesting," explains Scott
> Leonard, the group's chief songwriter, arranger and architect of
> their evolving dynamic sound. USA Today summed up the lasting appeal
> like this, "The best musical instrument of all is the human voice
> – if you've seen Rockapella you know that's the truth."
>
> WHO: Rockapella (www.Rockapella.com)
> WHAT: An Intimate Evening with Rockapella with Cartoon Johnny!
> WHEN: Wednesday, May 5, 2011, 7:30pm.
> WHERE: The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305
> TICKETS: At Ticketmaster.com or call (800)745-3000. Tix also available
> at Birchmere Box Office, from 5-9pm, any night we have a show.
>
> "Bang" can be purchased through Rockapella.com
> <http://rockapella.com/> via digital download, physical CDs and even a
> Deluxe Package which includes two Live Bonus tracks and a microphone
> shaped memory stick with the album preloaded onto it.
>
> Recently, Rockapella released the first ever a cappella track on the
> Rock Band Network with the title track from their new album, Bang
> <http://www.rockapella.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/26083/pid/30260\
> 5> . Rockapella's Jeff Thacher on the track's inclusion - "Many of our
> fans are probably saying to themselves "Of course!" We're utterly
> excited to be on Rock Band... I think it's definitely one of the coolest
> moments in Rockapella's history!"
>
>
> About Rockapella
> The group was formed for the sheer love of performing; singing on New
> York City street corners with a hat out at their feet. They caught the
> eye of a producer putting together a television special titled "Do It A
> Cappella," hosted by filmmaker Spike Lee. This in turn led to a daily
> appearance on "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?" Since then,
> Rockapella has become an international sensation, touring throughout the
> United States, Europe, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Korea.
> Rockapella has released 20 albums over the last 20 years, with their
> most recent being Bang.
>
> After sold-out national tours year after year, including sold-out
> performances with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra,
> Rockapella guarantees each of their concerts will deliver an unrivaled
> and joyful musical performance that cannot be found anywhere else.
>
> All of Rockapella's members are accomplished musicians. Super-bass
> George Baldi was formerly a member of the band that later became Boyz 2
> Men; Steven Dorian comes to Rockapella straight from the world famous
> stages of Disney, having played many major roles in Disney productions,
> including Disney's Festival of the Lion King. Scott Leonard leads
> the group musically, shaping Rockapella's characteristic sound by
> writing, arranging and producing most of the group's material. John
> Brown has performed across the country, on- and off-Broadway, and has
> shared stages with greats such as Phil Collins, Tina Turner, and Julie
> Andrews. Rockapella boasts the jaw-dropping, unique, and powerful
> talents of Jeff Thacher, a pioneer and leader in the mouth percussion
> world, who anchors the group's instrument-less sound.
>
> For more information on Rockapella, tour dates and ticket sales, visit
> www.ROCKAPELLA.com <http://www.rockapella.com/> .
>
>
>
>
>
> About Cartoon Johnny
>
>
>
>
> Cartoon Johnny is an energetic vocal band that pushes the limits of
> traditional a cappella. Drawing on influences from classic soul to
> modern alternative, they've crafted an exciting sound that is often
> mistaken for an instrumental band - but it's all vocal.
>
>
>
> Based in the Washington DC area, Cartoon Johnny performs a variety of
> sure-fire audience favorites and their own original music, bringing
> audiences to their feet show after show. They are two-time National
> Harmony Sweepstakes finalsists, winning the title for the Mid-Atlantic
> Region in 2005, and in New York in 2009.
>
>
>
> Cartoon Johnny has shared the stage with some of the best in a cappella
> and beyond. Highlights include headlining ACappellaFest Detroit in 2010,
> and performing with Marvin Hamlisch in his Christmas special at the
> Kennedy Center in 2008. Hamlisch invited the group to join him for his
> July 4th concerts in San Diego in 2009.
>
> For more information on Cartoon Johnny, visit www.cartoonjohnny.com
> <http://www.cartoonjohnny.com/> .
>

Last night our boys Da Capo did the Mid-Atlantic Region proud!  They won first place AND audience favorite at the Nationals in San Francisco!

Way to go, fellas!

Best regards,
Ted Donat and the Mid-Atlantic Sweeps Production Team

dcVocals is a co-ed, semi-professional acapella group (read: we get paid for
gigs, but nobody's making their living doing this) that has been entertaining
the Washington area for more than a decade. We're currently 11 members strong
including our vocal percussionist, and looking to add one or two specific
voices.

We're looking for a soprano (preferably first soprano, but mezzos are welcome to
audition) and a guy in the bari/bass range. Both need to be comfortable/able to
sing solo. Acapella singing experience is of course a plus, although it's not a
prerequisite. Arranging experience is a major bonus. But mainly we're looking
for someone who is talented and mixes well with the group.

If this sounds like you, and you've got a good sense of humor and the ability to
rehearse weekly, we'd love for you to come audition. Auditions will be held June
22 and 23. Please email us at dcvocals@... to learn more.

Hey, there a cappella singers - ever wanted to sing in a band?  Maybe you did so previously and want to get back to it?  Or maybe you just have melisma overload, and are dying to hear the sound of a shredding guitar?  Well, local DC area band The Slow Burn may be the answer!  We are five guys - all experienced musicians, all Dads, all professionals.  We play 50% covers and 50% originals.  We bill ourselves as "Melodic rock...with an edge."  Our covers include Tom Petty, Beatles, Elvis Costello, John Mellencamp and Pretenders.  Originals are in a similar vein, with lots of cool harmonies!

We are looking for a female vocalist to sing leads and harmonies (about half and half).  We play out about once every two months, but would like to do so more frequently.  We have played at Iota, Bangkok Blues, The Grog & Tankard, Fat Tuesdays, Jammin' Java, and other area venues.  We rehearse once a week in Fairfax, VA.  If you are interested, please contact Ted at tdonat@...).

Thanks!

Hi all,
Supreme Chord is a co-ed a cappella group in the DC area. We're made up of young
professionals and recent college grads (20s and 30s) from all over the
DC area. Our repertoire includes a broad mix of music, including
alternative, pop, rock, and R&B -- everything from Jason Mraz to
Metallica, Katy Perry to the Indigo Girls.

We're actively looking for male voices, especially tenors, to fill out
the last few spots in the group, and are holding a round of auditions
in July and August.

For more information, audition details or for questions about the
group, you're welcome to email supremechord@... -- or check us
out at http://www.supremechordsings.com.

Thanks!

All,

The Capital Hearings (www.thecapitalhearings.com) are having our inaugural
full-length concert, "Night and Day," on Saturday, September 10 at 8:00 PM. 
We'll be performing a mix of classical, jazz, and contemporary a cappella.

We're proud to have The Chromatics as our guest group!

Full details below.

Dileep Srihari, Music Director

*******

Night and Day: The Capital Hearings in Concert
with special guests The Chromatics

Join DC's most versatile a cappella vocal ensemble for an evening of musical
adventure! Exploring the themes of night and day from Thomas Tallis through
"Teenage Dream", this innovative concert will feature a wide variety of music
including classical favorites, jazz standards, and pop hits from the 1950s
through today. Whether your idea of great music is Mozart, the Beatles, Sinatra,
or Lady Antebellum, you're sure to hear something you love.

WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 8pm

WHERE: All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church, 2300 Cathedral Ave. NW, Washington,
DC. Located 2 blocks north of Woodley Park Metro Station (Red Line). Limited
free parking is available.

TICKETS: $10 (includes post-concert reception)

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.TheCapitalHearings.com

A 6 year old, all male a cappella quartet in Montgomery County, Maryland, seeks
a music coach. We sing a variety of styles including barbershop, gospel, and do
wop. Our objective is to have fun and sing to ourselves, family, friends, and
the occasional public outing. To add to the challenge, we are old and don't read
music (much).
The ideal coach would either arrange songs for us, (having the ability to create
practice CD's on his/her computer using one of the arranging software packages)
or help us find arrangements, and then coach and inspire us to new levels! We
would like to meet with you 2 or 3 times a month on a weekday evening and would
generously compensate you on an hourly basis.

Please respond to Rick at:   pugh at comcast dot net.

After 5 great years with our current line-up, Cartoon Johnny is in transition. Tenor Malcolm Lee is leaving at the end of the fall season to pursue musical theater interests. So we're looking for great singers to audition to complete our future line-up!

Cartoon Johnny is a six-person contemporary a cappella vocal band, covering Motown to Katy Perry, as well as original songs. Located in the DC area, the group is a two-time Harmony Sweeps National Finalist, and was recently nominated for 2011 CARA for Best Holiday Album. To find out more about us, visit www.CartoonJohnny.com or www.facebook.com/cartoonjohnny.

We are currently auditioning BASSES and TENORS.

BASSES:
Should be able to hit and sing consistent low-Ds, have great pitch, and a great sense of rhythm in order to complete a tight rhythm section with our vocal percussionist.

TENORS:

Should be able to hit a high-B consistently, nail contemporary pop and rock solos, and play front man as needed.

ALL:

Regardless of vocal part, the ideal new member should be very comfortable on stage, have a great solo voice, be able to blend well with our existing line-up, and have the ability to learn music quickly and on his own with supplied sheet music and digital learning files. But don't worry, we'll help ya!

Positive attitude, commitment to group goals, and a team player approach are a must!

Time commitment includes:

·      Weekly rehearsals currently held in Northern Virginia

·      Individual music learning/preparation time

·      Performances in 20-30 gigs per year, usually on evenings and weekends

·      Recording sessions, on average 2-3 times per month (new release scheduled for 2012)

Sound good to you?

We're hearing singers Wednesday evenings throughout September, as well as other times by appointment/as needed. To set up an audition time, contact kieran@.... In your email, please include:

·      Brief description of your music experience, specifically in a cappella

·      Vocal range

·      Availability for auditioning

·      If possible, include a live performance video link or audio sample

We look forward to meeting you!

Is there a deadline for group submissions for the February 25th Mid-Atlantic
Regional?

Supreme Chord, a co-ed a cappella group made up of young professionals living
and working here in the DC area, is holding a round of auditions in October and
early November. We're definitely looking for tenors and baritones, but may also
have a slot for a female voice (soprano, mezzo, or alto). We are a dynamic
(fun-loving) group performing a wide-ranging repertoire, including popular
music, rock, R&B, indie, and much more. (A sampling of our repertoire includes
everything from Indigo Girls to Metallica, Dexy's Midnight Runners to Jason
Mraz.) For more info about us, check out our website at
http://www.supremechordsings.com (or Twitter, or Facebook....)

Interested? For questions or to schedule an audition, email
supremechord@....  Hope to see you at auditions!