18th Annual

Members: Jordan Williams, Morgan Williams, Nicholas Williams, Nathan Williams

The Akafellas hail from Olympia, Washington and have been a group for over five years. This six-member male a cappella group sings several styles of music from Doo-Wop to Barbershop to Pop and everything in between, including Country and Comedy. They describe their performances as "unique" because of "our own warped brand of humor." The group's self-titled CD was recently released.

Members: Scott Stilson, Tony Benjamins, Lee Tran, Jon Morgan, Greg Fryhling, Jon Murdock

Backbeat is Harmonious Funk and covers Motown, Classic Rock, Disco, Soul, R&B, 80's Wave, 90's Rock and Millennium Hits. This six-member ensemble (4 men, 2 women) enjoys bringing their unique sound to nostalgic music to make it fresh and exciting. Each member has individual experiences and strengths which range from composing Indie Rock tunes to training in African music and from performances in musical theater to creating a wide repertoire in vocal percussion. When they put their voices together, the results are a musical feast.

Members: Chava Mirel, Emily Debow, Andrew Nunez, Mike Giles, Brian Kinyon, Otha Major

Groove for Thought is a group of six singers (5 men, 1 woman) who got together to pursue their love of contemporary ensemble singing. Singing an assortment of jazz, gospel, and pop music, the members of this a cappella group all have extensive experience in vocal jazz and enjoy adding fun, unique and exciting sounds to their music. The group sings intricate 6-part harmonies, all of which are their own arrangements and have recently added some original compositions to their repertoire. They are currently working on their first CD.

Members: Randy Taylor, Hannah Vierness, James Niles, Kelly Kunz, Kevin Kunz, Jeff Horenstein

Mockingbird is comprised of three women who are good friends who have brought their musical interests and diversity together to form a blend of a cappella harmonies. They have been making music together for seven years and sing a wide variety of songs, including several originals. They have released two CDs, "Drenched" and "Magic Everywhere," and have plans for a third. A recent review of "Drenched" in Victory Review stated, "These women are obviously having fun. You can hear their warmth and friendship. What a delightful album they've created."

Members: Robin Wallbridge, Lesley Rigg, Sherrie Lutsch

The Righteous Mothers are four women who have performed together for over 20 years, while raising seven children and having dual careers as a high school teacher, professors, a children's book author and a lawyer. This feminist, folk-rock group pride themselves on songs surrounded by warm sentiments and mind-bending tales and on fearless displays on wit, drama, and choreography. Each performance is a celebration of the human spirit, warts (and courage) and all.

Members: Lisa Brodoff, Wendy Crocker, Marla Beth

Slugger Jones combines four distinct voices and musical backgrounds to create a new and unique show for every audience. Infusing elements of Jazz, Funk, Rock, and Classical into their original arrangements, these four men perform their energetic style of music around Western Washington. With members coming from such groups as Kickshaw, Soundsation, Seattle's VocalPoint!, and Rapid Pulse, their wealth of experience is visible in both their unique arrangements and obvious joy of performing.

Members: Brian Kirkness, Brian Atkinson, Russ Bright, Joe Johnson

The Standards are four brothers (and Eagle Scouts!) from Twin Falls, Idaho. They have thrilled audiences of all ages in performances for Holland America Cruise Lines, festivals from Alabama to Hawaii, the Idaho Governor's Gala, and for over 375,000 elementary to college-aged students! They have appeared nationally with Manhatten Transfer, Lonestar, Lee Roy Parnell, Dan Seals and River Dance, to name a few and were world champions on Destination Stardom.

Members: Jordan Williams, Morgan Williams, Nicholas Williams, Nathan Williams

Unplugged is an ensemble of women known for their luscious tones, sense of humor and expressive singing. They formed their quartet in January 2001, and from there it was just a short hop, skip and jump to the top of the a cappella/barbershop scene in the Pacific NW. As members of Sweet Adelines, International (SAI), they placed 11th in their first shot at the International competition in Portland last October. The four have been friends for several years and have kept in touch by hooking up at SAI contests around the country. Teresa, Julie and Anna are from the Seattle/Tacoma area and Judy hails from Vancouver, BC making Unplugged an International experience.

Members: Teresa McCafferty, Julie Hagstrom, Anna Chamberlain, Judy Pozsgay

Complete list of 2002 national participants