2007 Los Angeles Regional Winners: Moira Smiley & VOCOHailing from Los Angeles, and just named as honored representative of western U.S. & Canada at the International Folk Alliance Music Conference, Moira Smiley & VOCO is a fiery roots vocal band making new song as it pulls on roots of Eastern European and Appalachian harmony and rhythm. "The multilingual singing of Smiley's VOCO ensemble is especially fascinating" (Los Angeles Times). 2007 Los Angeles Regional: Second Place Down 4 The CountDown 4 the Count is an a cappella vocal jazz ensemble whose specialty is swing. They began singing together in September of 2003, and after a one-year hiatus are really excited to be performing together again. Down 4 The Count performs mostly original arrangements, frequently with original lyrics; every member of the group has arranged at least one chart for D4TC. Although the ensemble members are currently scattered across Southern California from Long Beach to Camarillo, they make it a priority to get together to sing at least once a week. That's the plan, anyway; mostly they just laugh for two hours. 2007 Los Angeles Regional: Third Place RenaissanceRenaissance is an all a cappella quintet, dedicated to showcasing and preserving the critical art form of street corner style; doo-wop singing. The group is equally adaptable to film, TV & stage as they are beneath the street lamp. Not just another singing group, Renaissance intertwines social and cultural awareness themes in their music offering "food for the spirit" as well as the soul. Whether it's a soul stirring tribute to the legendary Sam Cooke, love songs for the ladies, Black History themed conscious music or a rousing Gospel celebration, their superb vocal skills shine through. These Cats can flat out sing and their infectious energy is quite entertaining as they transport their audience to another space and time. Other 2007 Los Angeles Regional Competitors Corner PocketCorner Pocket is an a cappella quartet based out of LA that performs doo-wop, barbershop and contemporary pop tunes. They have performed onboard 5-Star Cruise Ships, in Las Vegas and around Southern California.  Out of ContextOut of Context is a 14+-1 person (only 8 will be performing on any given number) mixed a cappella group that performs various styles of contemporary music, ranging from easy listening to hard rock and beyond, without any instruments besides the human voice. We are strongly committed to having fun on and off the stage, and our screening process ensures every member is willing to make a fool of him/herself in public. Since its beginnings in 1997, OoC has grown in talent and notoriety, and a week doesn't go by when we prove ourselves aptly named. Members:  Swing ShiftThis stylish vocal jazz group was formed in Santa Monica in 2002. Swing Shift focuses on jazz and reharmonized pop and Broadway standards from the 30's to the present. The group sings mostly its own arrangements, with Phil and Richard providing them. Swing Shift performs at private parties, churches, malls, and clubs. They also appeared as one of the featured a cappella groups on KLCS’s television series “Mosaic.” Swing Shift was honored at the 2004 Los Angeles regional Harmony Sweepstakes, where they won the best arrangement award for their 6-part version of “Where is Love?” from the musical Oliver! If you love rich sounds, complex harmonies, and creamy-smooth blend, you’ll love hearing this group .  Vocal EaseVocalEase is the University of Arizona's premiere women's a cappella ensemble. This year, Vocal Ease is 7 members strong and performing a wide variety of music, including pop, gospel, R&B, jazz, and country. Vocal Ease has a reputation for being one of the hottest all-female a cappella groups around. The VE ladies released their first full-length album in December 2004, and followed that with the release of an EP in February of 2006. The past year's competitive accomplishments for Vocal Ease include Best Vocal Percussion at the ICCA West Region Quarterfinals (University of Oregon) and 2nd place at the 2006 Harmony Sweepstakes Los Angeles Regional. Additionally, Ali Davis received Best Arrangement at the 06 LA regional for "I Believe in a Thing Called Love"..  VybrationVybration - Made up of six excellent vocalists from every musical background (rock, pop, classical, opera, etc.), Vybration combines the strengths & diversity of all to form a brand new sound. Originally brought together by the vocal band “Groove 66” at Disney’s California Adventures, Vybration has expanded its repertoire without dropping one beat from the excitement & entertainment-value they showcased while working for "the Mouse." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
