The Tower Theatre Foundation’s inaugural Bend A Cappella Festival will take place Friday, February 19 through Sunday, February 21.Riding on the popularity of this exciting vocal form, the Bend A Cappella Festival is geared towards learning new skills, honing existing ones, and making connections with other singers throughout the region.
Festival-goers will experience multiple performances on the main stage at the Tower Theatre, in addition to Aca-pop performances at various locations around town. Renowned beatboxer, Courtney Jensen, acclaimed musical director, Lisa Forkish, and vocal music agent, Craig Knudsen, will head up the master classes and critique sessions.
On Friday evening, high school, collegiate, and amateur groups from all over the northwest will compete in the Sing Off for their chance to open for The House Jacks on Saturday night. Currently, thirteen of the fifteen Sing Off spots have been filled and the groups include the following:
- Outspoken, Oregon State University – Corvallis, Oregon
- Soul’d Out, Wilsonville High School – Wilsonville, Oregon
- Divisi, University of Oregon – Eugene, Oregon
- Dolce Vita, Oregon City High School – Oregon City, Oregon
- Mind The Gap, University of Oregon – Eugene, Oregon
- Joshua Clifton – Bend, Oregon
- UpBeat! – Bend, Oregon
- Mixolydians, Sherwood High School – Sherwood, Oregon
- Powerchords, Oregon State University – Corvallis, Oregon
- On The Rocks, University of Oregon – Eugene, Oregon
- Sirens of Swank, Whitman College – Walla Walla, Washington
- Otha Major – Seattle, Washington
- Skopellas – Bend, Oregon
The House Jacks are a cappella pioneers from San Francisco featured on the soundtrack for NBC’s The Sing-Off and ESPN’s Monday Night Football. Their arrangements have been used for the hit movie Pitch Perfect and the group’s founder, Deke Sharon, is widely recognized as The Father of Modern A Cappella.
All events will take place at the Tower Theatre. The nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation owns and operates the historic stage downtown Bend, and has been a leader in the arts and culture scene since fully renovating and reopening the venue in 2004. The organization fosters and supports music education throughout the region with programming that makes essential contributions to the community’s lifestyle.
The Bend A Cappella Festival is one way in which students are able to further their knowledge and personal performance qualities. The festival has been brought to fruition with vital support from a number of local businesses, including: Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, Old Mill District, A Cappella Education Association, VocalBooth, Humm Kombucha, Acaville A Cappella Radio, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton, My Place, Deschutes Brewery, REI, Mug Revolution, Wanderlust Tours, Strictly Organic Coffee Co., Newport Avenue Market, Cascade School of Music, 5 Fusion, The Astro Lounge and Herbs Etc.
http://www.bendacappellafestival.com/
www.bendacappellafestival.com
541-317-0700
www.towertheatre.org