Rockapella, the international vocal sensation, hits the Heymann Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13. This performance is part of the 2009/2010 mainstage series presented by the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana(PASA). Known for their rock infused harmonies, Rockapella are the originators of a unique flavor of contemporary pop music; one that has spread virally across the United States, Asia and Europe. The group’s widespread appeal has built legions of fans throughout the USA and across the globe.
“Every Rockapella show has an unmistakable feel, with audience participation and Rockapella’s own unique favorites like Zombie Jamboree,” says Jacqueline Lyle, PASA’s executive director. "It's fun for everyone, young and old, alike."
Rockapella first got their start in 1986 after a producer heard them performing on the streets of New York and recommended them as a featured performer on the Public Broadcasting System(PBS) television special Do It A Cappella, hosted by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. Shortly after their appearance on that show, PBS contacted them to write and record the theme music for the hit show Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? and, asked that the group star in the show as thehouse band. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego went on to become the second longest running children’s game show in U.S. television history. According to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the show's theme song--which was written by two of the founding members of Rockapella, Sean Altman and David Yazbek--is one of the most well-known themes in television history.
USA Today says, “Some say the best musical instrument of all is the human voice - if you’ve seen Rockapella you know that’s the truth.”
Rockapella’s next major appearance was in the HBO inventive hit family series, Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child which also included Whoopi Goldberg & Denzel Washington. Since 2003, Rockapella has traveled the country with their annual “A Rockapella Holiday” tour. They have collaborated and performed with the Boston Pops orchestra to sold out audiences across the United States.
These HBO and PBS television programs ignited the flame that placed Rockapella in demand by North America’s top media outlets. Rockapella has appeared with the best – The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC’s Today Show with Katie Couric & Matt Lauer, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, the CBS Early Show with Bryant Gumbel, CBS’s Orange Bowl Parade - the list goes on.
A solid chain, Rockapella's singers are the top of their craft. Scott Leonard, the group's high tenor, is typically found in the center of contemporary a cappella creating the arrangements, sounds, and songs of this multi-national phenomenon. Profoundly influenced by the Motown greats and especially Stevie Wonder, Leonard¹s music emerges as a unique brand of pop and soul smart, often witty and entertaining. In addition, he can be found in the producer's chair writing, producing and recording the group's albums and most of the group's original songs as well as their arrangements of popular songs.
John K. Brown (tenor) pulls together Rockapella’s incredible and unique sound. His performance experience includes the stages of Broadway, Off-Broadway, Disney and shared stages with Tina Tuner, Phil Collins, and Julie Andrews, (tenor) John K. Brown's talent shines very brightly.
A worldwide talent search led Rockapella to Steven Dorian (tenor), a former baseball star at theUniversity of Massachusetts. 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. Dorian is also a dancer and musician having been showcased from Branson to New York, opening for Kenny Rogers, performing for international audiences. With his gorgeous vocals, smooth style, and magical grace on the stage, Steven rounds out the savory blend of Rockapella's three tenors.
A true bass voice is perhaps one of the most challenging voices to find. George Baldi (bass) is a native of Philadelphia and member of the group Unique Attraction, which later became Boyz II Men, came to Rockapella after performing in various other groups around the world for Universal Studios. His formidable talent, charm, and the delicious contemporary soul of his massive voice gives Rockapella the perfect harmonic foundation. Rounding out the group is Jeff Thacher (vocal percussion). An artist among the top of his craft, Thatcher is a graduate of the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston. His musical roots are broad covering all aspects of vocal study from traditional to a more modern funk style that has become the cornerstone of Rockapella’s unique sound.
Responding to popular demand, the group took their original songs, their arrangements, and their signature harmonies into the studio. The outcome: seven albums for North America, ten albums for Japan. To date, Rockapella has recorded and released a combined total of 22 albums both domestic and internationally, with their latest album set to hit stores in May 2010.
Often imitated, never duplicated, Rockapella remains an innovative burst of talent continuing to sell out venues around the world.
WPLJ New York’s hit morning DJ, Todd Pettengill, raves “Rockapella’s music is so contagious it should come with a warning label… Five voices that blend into a symphony, Rockapella is the sound of the future, today! Incredible.”
Tickets for the April 13 performance are on sale now and available through TicketMaster outlets, by phone at (877) 745-3000 or online.
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