The Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival is the largest and longest-running a cappella competition in the United States. This annual event showcases the best vocal harmony groups from across the country, celebrating the art of a cappella singing in various styles, from traditional to contemporary.
In This Article
Key Points
- The festival features regional competitions in seven major cities, with the winners advancing to the National Finals in San Rafael, California.
- The event embraces all styles of a cappella music, including doo-wop, barbershop, gospel, jazz, and innovative contemporary vocal harmony.
- The Harmony Sweepstakes has helped legitimize a cappella singing and bring diverse people together through the appreciation of vocal music.
History and Evolution of the Festival
The roots of the Harmony Sweepstakes can be traced back to a weekly sing-a-long at The Mayflower, a British pub in San Rafael, California. The enthusiasm for singing led to the formation of the Mayflower Chorus and regular concerts and performances. In 1984, chorus member Lisa Collins proposed a competition for a cappella groups to further develop an audience for the art form.
Over the years, the festival expanded to include regional competitions in major cities across the United States, with the winners advancing to the National Finals in San Rafael. The event has grown to become a prestigious showcase for up-and-coming vocal groups, celebrating the diversity and innovation in a cappella music.
Notable Participants and Performances
The Harmony Sweepstakes has featured numerous talented a cappella groups over its history. Some notable participants include:
- Pentatonix, the Grammy Award-winning a cappella group, competed in the festival early in their career.
- The House Jacks, a pioneering contemporary a cappella group, won the National Finals in 19963.
- Nota, the winners of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” season 1, competed in the festival before their television success.
Each year, the festival showcases a wide range of vocal styles and original arrangements, with groups pushing the boundaries of a cappella music.
Impact on the A Cappella Community
The Harmony Sweepstakes has played a significant role in the growth and recognition of contemporary a cappella music. By providing a platform for vocal groups to showcase their talents and compete at a national level, the festival has:
- Helped legitimize a cappella singing as a serious art form, beyond its perception as a novelty act.
- Encouraged the formation and development of new a cappella groups across the country.
- Fostered a sense of community and collaboration among a cappella enthusiasts and performers.
The festival has also inspired similar events and competitions, such as the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) and the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs).
How to Attend and Participate
If you’re interested in attending the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival, here’s what you need to know:
- Regional competitions are typically held in the spring, with the National Finals taking place in May.
- Tickets for the regional events and the National Finals can be purchased online or at the venue, subject to availability.
- A cappella groups interested in competing can apply through the festival’s website, submitting an application and demo recording.
Attending the Harmony Sweepstakes is a fantastic opportunity to experience the best in a cappella music, discover new talent, and connect with fellow enthusiasts of vocal harmony.
FAQ
What styles of a cappella music are featured at the Harmony Sweepstakes?
The festival embraces all styles of a cappella, including doo-wop, barbershop, gospel, jazz, and contemporary vocal harmony.
How can I attend the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival?
You can attend the regional competitions held in various cities across the United States, or the National Finals in San Rafael, California. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the venue.
Can my a cappella group compete in the Harmony Sweepstakes?
Yes! A cappella groups can apply to compete in the festival by submitting an application and demo recording through the festival’s website.
What are some notable groups that have participated in the Harmony Sweepstakes?
Notable participants include Pentatonix, The House Jacks, and Nota, among many other talented a cappella groups.
How has the Harmony Sweepstakes impacted the a cappella community?
The festival has helped legitimize a cappella singing as a serious art form, encouraged the formation of new groups, and fostered a sense of community among a cappella enthusiasts and performers.
