2004 Chicago Regional Winners: Chapter 6When the men of Chapter 6 began singing together in college, none of them had any idea that in just five years time, they would have performed over 550 concerts in 25 states. As the 2001 International Collegiate A Cappella Grand Champions and three-time winners of the Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes, Chapter 6 quickly made a name for themselves in the a cappella music community. In 2003, the groupÌs third CD, "Christmastime" was nominated by the Contemporary A Cappella Society for Best Christmas Album and Song. With their tight vocal harmonies, award-winning original arrangements, and diversity of repertoire, it is easy to understand the group’s appeal." 2004 Chicago Regional: Second Place Straight No ChaserStraight No Chaser was founded in September 1996 by Dan Ponce. He mentioned the idea of an a cappella group to some friends in Singing Hoosiers, and they became the original members of SNC. The group had their first performance in October 1996 at the Dance Marathon. SNC went on to perform at sororities, dorms, and anywhere else they could find an audience. They began recording their first CD, "Straight No Chaser", in October 1997, and it was released in January 1998. In February 1998, they entered the National Championship of Collegiate A cappella. After winning the first round and the semi-finals, SNC flew to the National Championship in New York at Carnegie Hall, placing 2nd. SNC signed on with the Alumni Association in 1998 as their official performing group, In December 1998, SNC released their second CD, "Last Call", then "Live From Alumni Hall" was released in December 1999. After several sponsored tours, the release of "Indiana" in 2000, and the release of "Thank You" in 2002, Straight No chaser is still going strong. 2004 Chicago Regional: Third PlaceStrippedStrip away the labels, limits, and boundaries and you have an exciting adventure in vocal music. Tonight you’ll hear five award winning vocalists, each bringing a unique style and flair to this cutting edge vocal band. The members of STRIPPED have formed a strong musical bond that gives their sound an unmistakable warmth. They have tremendous freedom to express themselves as outstanding soloists and together they form a whole more powerful than the sum of its parts. They inspire, educate, and often amuse, while also encouraging the listener to sing along. In addition to performing, the members of STRIPPED have founded Breaking Boundaries Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people find ways to creatively express themselves. Each member brings to the table their years of international performing experience, music education, and spiritual motivation. Through community outreach, clinics, masterclasses, and multimedia workshops, they teach people how to connect with others in new and exciting ways. Our hope is to show each person the joy that comes from finding and following their own inner voice. So open up your ears and prepare to be STRIPPED! Other 2004 Chicago Regional CompetitorsAlchemyA barbershop quartet? Yes, that and more. With a combined a cappella experience of almost 100 years (WOW they don¹t look that old?), their obvious joy in singing is augmented by their unique approach to performingŠ something you have to experience first-hand to best appreciate. Expect to be taken on an unusual journey as they bring you places you never knew you wanted to be. Four BettysFour Bettys is an a cappella quartet singing a wide variety of music for any occasion! With a combined 40+ years singing and numerous national and international awards, they share a passion for performing. In 2002 and again in 2003 they won Silver Medals at the SAI Reg. 3 in Michigan, and in were named Female Quartet Champs at the Buckeye Invitational in Ohio. They can be seen performing for corporate events, on Barbershop Shows and singing the National Anthem at a Cubs game! RendezvousRendezvous is a mixed a cappella quartet from the Chicago area. They have very diverse interests and careers, but share a common joy in singing a cappella music. All four are accomplished singers in the barbershop style, now they get together to sing in a style that is truly their own. Their repertoire ranges from popular songs to jazz, folk and gospel, and there is sure to be something for everybody in each of their performances. Rendezvous has performed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Oregon, New Mexico, and as far away as St. Petersburg, Russia. They recently recorded a new jingle for Empire Today (formerly Empire) Carpets. The CoverdalesThe Coverdales formed in the Spring of 2003 as graduation from Indiana University was rapidly approaching. Having performed together in IU's nationally renowned men's a cappella group, Straight No Chaser, Ryan Ahlwardt, Michael Luginbill, Jon Mulholland, and Michael Seidenstein soon set off for the high seas. The quartet sailed onboard the Celebrity Cruise Line vessel, GTS Summit, performing for six months in various locales such as Alaska, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These four gentlemen proudly bring their love for singing and performing together to you tonight and hope you enjoy their tight harmonies, outstanding soloists, and dynamic charisma. Vocal ChaosVocal Chaos is an all-male a cappella band performing classic rock and popular music from the past four decades, including hits ranging from the Jackson 5 and the Rolling Stones to MatchBox 20 and the Dave Matthews Band, and everything in between. Founded in 1996, this semi-pro group (consisting of consultants, actors, programmers, marketers, teachers, service reps, and map-makers by day) performs throughout the Chicagoland area at corporate events, charity functions, and a host of other public venues. These guys live to sing the songs you know and love in a way you¹ve never heard them before! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
