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| “A Rockapella Holiday” Spreading Musical Cheer in 10 States Rockapella's holiday show is a "must see (and hear)" event! With their completely original take on the holidays, Rockapella creates a light-hearted and unforgettable holiday experience as they travel the country spreading musical holiday cheer. From unique takes on classic favorites, to brand new originals destined to become classics, audiences of all ages can expect to be charmed by a holiday performance like no other. This awe-inspiring, five-man powerhouse of vocal talent sweeps across the country on the 2009 "Rockapella Holiday" tour. The "Rockapella Holiday" 2009 tour musical lineup is jam-packed with a mix of their latest material, including Rockapella-flavored versions of favorites including: "Angels We Have Heard On High" - a new funked-up version of the beloved carol, "Silver Bells" – a classic Christmas nugget steeped in Rockapella's trademark yumminess, "Little Mary Snowflake" - a new New York City holiday classic and one of many signature originals that help define Rockapella's unique flavor, "Matunda Ya Kwanzaa" – a new Rockapella original honoring the annual celebration of African culture, "The Dreidel Song" - the Hannukah favorite like you have never heard it, "The Chipmunk Song, " "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, " and many other holiday favorites Many of the songs from the tour are on Rockapella's albums "Comfort & Joy" and "Christmas." While the albums and holiday ring tones are available through www.rockapella.com, you won't want to miss the unmatched energy, charisma and sheer fun of experiencing these pieces in Rockapella's live performance. This holiday tour will be the last opportunity to catch tenor Kevin Wright's final performances with Rockapella. After 13 years with the group, Wright will be leaving the group following the December 22 concert to devote more time to his wife and children and his thriving business. Wright says, "The joy of performing with my 'brothers' in Rockapella will live long in my heart! Thirteen years - but a lifetime of memories. I have a lot to be thankful for this Holiday season, especially all the wonderful fans that I get to share the season with one last time. Happy Holidays!" Rockapella will be announcing its new line-up during the tour. Stay tuned to www.rockapella.com for the announcement. Rockapella's music has garnered critical acclaim for its appeal to a broad audience. The venerable Boston Globe states that Rockapella's performances are "…testimony to how truly fine music can easily cross the age barrier and grab young and old." The New York Times says "one of the most accomplished contemporary a cappella groups, " while Whoopi Goldberg proclaims, "They are amazing!" From North America to Europe and Asia, the new Rockapella continues to blaze trails sonically and geographically. With new songs, new staging, new surprises, they continue to push a cappella to unexpected heights. With an ever-expanding fan base, Rockapella's members are known as the Kings of Contemporary A Cappella. The five-man vocal phenomenon, known for their infectious blend of soul, rock, rhythm & blues, entertained millions of fans of all ages during their five years as the house band on the hit PBS show, "Where In The World is Carmen Sandiego?" Millions have also seen Rockapella on television screens all over the country, showcasing their distinctive voices in commercial campaigns for major national brands including Folgers Coffee, Taco Bell and Budweiser. About Rockapella The group was formed for the sheer love of performing; singing on New York City street corners with a hat out at their feet. They caught the eye of a producer putting together a television special titled "Do It A Cappella, " hosted by filmmaker Spike Lee. This in turn led to a daily appearance on "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?" Since then, Rockapella has become an international sensation, touring throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Korea. Rockapella has released 20 albums over the last 20 years, with their most recent being Live in Japan. After sold-out national tours in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, including sold-out performances with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra, Rockapella guarantees each of their concerts will deliver an unrivaled and joyful musical performance that cannot be found anywhere else. All of Rockapella's members are accomplished musicians. Super-bass George Baldi was formerly a member of the band that later became Boyz 2 Men; Kevin Wright previously achieved New York theater acclaim, co-starring in shows on- and off-Broadway, and on national tours. Scott Leonard leads the group musically, shaping Rockapella's characteristic sound by writing, arranging and producing most of the groups material. John Brown has performed across the country, on- and off-Broadway, and has shared stages with greats such as Phil Collins, Tina Turner, and Julie Andrews. Rockapella boasts the jaw-dropping, unique, and powerful talents of Jeff Thacher, a pioneer and leader in the mouth percussion world, who anchors the group's instrument-less sound. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |