Skip to main content

ACA-CON Returns to Utah for an Unforgettable Night of A Cappella

Written by Benjamin Rivenburgh on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on ACA-CON Returns to Utah for an Unforgettable Night of A Cappella

ACA-CON, Utah’s premier a cappella concert event, returns on September 18, 2026, at the Edward A. Kenley Centennial Amphitheater in Layton, Utah. Presented by Amplify Benefit Concerts and hosted by Vocalocity, the annual event brings together friends, families, and music lovers for an evening of world-class a cappella entertainment while supporting a meaningful local cause.

Hosted by Utah-based professional a cappella group Vocalocity, ACA-CON showcases exceptional vocal talent and unforgettable live performances. Since forming in 2007, Vocalocity has performed at theaters, festivals, and special events across the country, including appearances for Jay Leno and headlining performances at the Sapphire Room in Boise, Idaho. Known for their innovative arrangements, dynamic stage presence, and diverse repertoire of pop, rock, and timeless classics, Vocalocity continues to captivate audiences wherever they perform.

Joining Vocalocity is special guest Eclipse 6, the acclaimed all-male a cappella group founded at Utah State University in 2000. Known for their inspiring performances and rich vocal blend, Eclipse 6 has appeared around the world, including at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The group has earned numerous honors, including Regional Harmony Sweepstakes champion, Utah Best of State “Best Vocal Group,” and multiple Pearl and Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards. A third guest group will be announced soon.

Produced by the nonprofit Amplify Benefit Concerts, ACA-CON is more than an evening of music—it’s an opportunity to give back. Since 2020, Amplify has raised more than $60,000 through benefit concerts supporting individuals and families facing unexpected hardships, with every ticket helping continue that mission.

Tickets are available at https://events.humanitix.com/aca-con-2026.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of incredible music, community, and a chance to make a difference.

GQ Wins Barbershop Harmony Society World Championship

Written by Benjamin Rivenburgh on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on GQ Wins Barbershop Harmony Society World Championship

GQ has made history as the first women’s quartet to win the Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Championship. The quartet captured the gold medal at the 2026 World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, finishing ahead of 51 other quartets from around the globe.

Their championship victory caps a remarkable competitive journey. In 2022, GQ placed fourth in the first international barbershop contest to include non-male quartets. They followed with a fifth-place finish in 2025 before claiming the world title in 2026.

GQ is made up of Amanda Sandroni (tenor), Katie Gillis (lead), Ali Hauger (baritone), and Samantha Tramack (bass). The four singers met while attending Towson University and officially formed the quartet in July 2011.

In addition to pursuing excellence in barbershop harmony, GQ is committed to music education and mentoring young singers. Each member works in music education while maintaining a career in the arts. Their journey from aspiring performers to world champions reflects their dedication to the craft and their passion for inspiring the next generation of barbershop musicians.

The Top 5 Ranking Quartets:

  1. GQ — 6,723 points (93.4 avg)
  2. Gimme Four — 6,700 points (93.1 avg)
  3. Full Effect — 6,645 points (92.3 avg)
  4. First Take — 6,552 points (91.0 avg)
  5. Sunday Night Social — 6,544 points (90.9 avg)

Congratulations to GQ and to everybody who took the stage – another successful year of amazing barbershop music!

Sweet Adelines Regional Season

Written by Leroy Hyson II on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on Sweet Adelines Regional Season

Sweet Adelines Regional Season Is Here, and the Stakes Have Never Been Higher

The competition season is officially underway, and Sweet Adelines International is bringing the world together one region at a time. From the Midwest to New Zealand, singers across six countries are competing this spring for a spot on the biggest stage in women’s barbershop harmony: the 78th Annual International Convention and Competition, taking place October 26-31 in Columbus, Ohio.

This week, five regions compete simultaneously on April 23-26. Region 13 (North by Northwest) holds its contest in Spokane, Washington, with a free webcast available to viewers worldwide. Region 15 (Greater New York and New Jersey) competes in Albany, New York. Region 5 (Spirit of the Midwest) heads to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, also offering a free webcast. Region 6 (Northern Lights) holds its regional in Rochester, Minnesota, streaming via Vimeo. Region 8 (Rocky Mountain) takes the stage in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The competition continues April 30 – May 3 with four more regions. Region 2 (Border Lakes) competes in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Region 3 (Midwest Harmony) holds its contest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Region 16 (Lake Ontario) gathers in Pickering, Ontario. Region 26 (Canadian Maple Leaf) competes in Edmonton, Alberta.

May 7-10, Region 1 (North Atlantic) holds its regional in Springfield, Massachusetts, with a webcast available by donation. That same weekend, Region 31 (Quartet of Nations) and Region 32 (Nordic Light) come together for a joint international convention in Manchester, United Kingdom, drawing competitors from across Europe and Scandinavia.

The final wave of regional contests runs May 14-17 across four continents. Region 12 (Pacific Shores) competes in Sparks, Nevada. Region 17 (Great Lakes Harmony) holds its contest in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a webcast available. Region 9 (Coastal Harmony) competes in Kissimmee, Florida. Region 34 (Southern Cross) takes the stage in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, streaming for 20 Australian dollars. Region 35 (New Zealand) competes in Palmerston North.

Every regional contest this spring is a qualifying event. The road to Columbus runs through all of them. Full details, orders of appearance, and webcast information for each region are available at sweetadelines.com.

2026 ICCA and ICHSA Finals Have Been Announced!

Written by Leroy Hyson II on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on 2026 ICCA and ICHSA Finals Have Been Announced!

The voices have spoken, and here is every first-place winner earning their spot on the Finals stage.

The 2026 competitive a cappella season has produced some of the most compelling performances in recent memory. From high school auditoriums to college concert halls, and even across the Atlantic, vocal groups from around the world have competed for a chance to advance. All of that work has been building toward one night: the 2026 ICCA and ICHSA Finals, set for April 24 and 25, 2026, at The Town Hall (123 W 43rd St, New York, NY) from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Ten of the best collegiate a cappella groups in the world will take that historic Manhattan stage and compete for the title. Below is a full breakdown of every first-place winner from the Semifinal and Wild Card rounds of both the ICCA (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella) and ICHSA (International Championship of High School A Cappella).

ICCA SEMIFINAL WINNERS

Northeast: The Nor’easters (Northeastern University): The Nor’easters turned in a commanding performance with 418 points to claim the Northeast region, continuing a strong season that included an impressive quarterfinal run just weeks prior.

South: Carolina Sound (University of Mount Olive): Carolina Sound earned the South Semifinal title with 381 points, edging out Belmont’s Prismatics 381 to 373 in one of the tightest semifinal results of the season. A strong showing from a program that continues to grow on the national stage.

Great Lakes: Amazin’ Blue (University of Michigan): Amazin’ Blue secured their Finals berth with 368 points, adding another chapter to Michigan’s well-established legacy in collegiate a cappella competition.

West: Eh? Cappella (University of British Columbia): Representing Canada in the West region, UBC’s Eh? Cappella led the field with 394 points and also took home Outstanding Arrangement honors, delivering one of the more complete performances of the semifinal round.

Mid-Atlantic: Off Track (Towson University): Off Track carried strong momentum into the Mid-Atlantic Semifinal and came away with 388 points and the top spot, capping off a consistent run through both the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds.

Central: Off the Record (Lehigh University): Lehigh’s Off the Record earned 416 points at the Central Semifinal along with Outstanding Arrangement and Choreography recognition, making a clear statement as one of the stronger groups heading into Finals.

Midwest: A Cub Bella (Missouri State University): Missouri State’s A Cub Bella secured the Midwest title with 381 points, holding off a competitive field that included two strong entries from Ohio State University.

Southwest: VirtuOSO (Baylor University): In the narrowest result of the semifinal season, VirtuOSO from Baylor University edged UC Irvine’s Morse Coda by a single point, 414 to 413, to claim the Southwest title.

United Kingdom: Northern Lights (Durham University): Northern Lights posted the highest semifinal score of any group in either competition this season, earning 428 points at the United Kingdom Semifinal and establishing themselves as a serious contender heading into the ICCA Finals.

ICCA WILD CARD

Wild Card: Prismatics (Belmont University): After finishing second at the South Semifinal, the Prismatics earned their Finals spot through the Wild Card round with 419 points, securing a second path to New York City for the Nashville-based group.

ICHSA SEMIFINAL WINNERS

Northeast: NOTEorious (North Reading High School): NOTEorious turned in a 371-point performance to claim the Northeast title, capping off a dominant run through the high school competition that began at the quarterfinal level.

South: Sonic Edge (CCCEPA at Pebblebrook High School): Sonic Edge from Pebblebrook High School in Georgia earned 400 points and the South Semifinal title, delivering one of the standout performances of the high school competition this season.

Great Lakes: Off The Record (Lockport Township High School): In an exceptionally close contest, Lockport Township’s Off The Record claimed the Great Lakes title with 403 points, finishing just four points ahead of Port Washington’s Limited Edition in second place.

West: Titanium (Tesoro High School): Tesoro High School’s Titanium earned 371 points and the West Semifinal title, with the group also taking home Outstanding Vocal Percussion recognition for their performance.

Southwest: Infiniti (Rockwall-Heath High School): Infiniti delivered a dominant 418-point performance at the Southwest Semifinal, earning the top spot along with Outstanding Vocal Percussion and Choreography honors.

Mid-Atlantic: Stay Tuned (Cherry Hill High School East): Stay Tuned from Cherry Hill, New Jersey earned 412 points and the Mid-Atlantic title, also receiving recognition for Outstanding Choreography during the competition.

Midwest: 16th Street Soul (Warren Central High School): 16th Street Soul claimed the Midwest Semifinal title on their home stage at Warren Central High School, a meaningful result for a program that has worked to build its presence within the regional competition.

ICHSA WILD CARD

Wild Card: The Ram Jams (Ramsey High School): Ramsey High School’s Ram Jams earned the ICHSA Wild Card with 397 points, securing a Finals berth after finishing second at the Mid-Atlantic Semifinal earlier in the season.

What Is Next?

The semifinal winners and wild card champions now turn their attention to the Finals. The 2026 ICCA and ICHSA Finals take place on April 24 and 25, 2026, at The Town Hall in New York City, where ten collegiate groups will compete for the championship title. With programs representing campuses from Nashville to Vancouver and New Jersey to Durham, England, the Finals stage promises to be one of the most competitive nights in the tournament’s history.

Visit varsityvocals.com for full results, special awards, and Finals updates.

SING! A Cappella Championship Finalists Announced

Written by Leroy Hyson II on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on SING! A Cappella Championship Finalists Announced

16 Groups from Across North America Will Compete in May

SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival today announced the
finalists for the SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships, taking place on Saturday, May 23
at 7 pm at Koerner Hall in the Telus Centre for Performance & Learning.273 Bloor Street West.
Tickets go on sale today at https://www.rcmusic.com/tickets/seats/438601
Following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural competition, the event has
expanded to include more categories and singers. A total of 178 participants from 16 groups
from across Canada and the U.S. will battle it out in four divisions: High School,
Collegiate/University, Open, and Barbershop.
“Canadian A Cappella has been groundbreaking since the Nylons had the first Billboard a
cappella top 20 hit, and things are looking even brighter with this year’s amazing lineup of 16
finalists!”, said Deke Sharon, Music Director of the Pitch Perfect movies, and considered the
Father of Contemporary A Cappella. He will join esteemed judges Elaine Overholt and Mo
Field to award prizes with a total value of more than $10,000.
“We were thrilled to have so many outstanding groups apply to participate,” said SING! Toronto
General Manager J-M Erlendson. “That speaks to the broad interest in a cappella singing”.
Last year’s biggest winner, contemporary a cappella group Splüsh, took home First Place in the
Open category and the Audience Choice award. Madalen Tojicic, singer and co-leader of the
group, said, “It’s not an exaggeration to say that Splüsh wouldn’t exist without the SING!
Canadian A Cappella Championships. The competition allowed us to grow as artists in pursuit of
a common goal, receive excellent feedback from industry experts and share our debut
performance on a professional stage. We’re grateful to SING! for providing a platform for new
artists to share their talents and shine.”
This year’s Barbershops finalists are: All In (San Antonio and Austin, Texas); Firefly Quartet
(Toronto, ON); The ‘Loo Wops (Waterloo, ON); and Voices Unlimited (Burlington, ON).
Collegiate finalists are: Cal Jazz Choir (University of California, Berkeley); On That Note
(Toronto Metropolitan University); The Northwest Collective (University of British Columbia);
WIBI (York University). High School finalists are: Enter A Cappella (Newmarket, ON);
Iroquois Ridge Chamber Choir (Oakville, ON); RHHS Chamber Choir (Richmond Hill, ON);
Senator O’Connor Vocal Ensemble (North York, ON). Open Division finalists are: AV & The
Inner City (Edmonton, AB); Les 6-DS (Quebec City, QC); On Cue (Calgary, AB); and The
Counterfeit Sheep (Edmonton, AB).

Preliminary round judges were a cappella veterans: Kurt Sampson, Slaight Music SING! Toronto
Legacy Award recipient through the group Cadence; Jernie Millan, from New York Vocal
Collective; and bass singer Donovan Davis from international champions The Vocal Majority.
The 15 th annual SING! Toronto festival takes place from May 20 to June 1 throughout central
Toronto. Events include free and ticketed concerts, international headliners, the SING! Canadian
A Cappella Championships, SING! With Pride to launch Pride Toronto, interactive programs,
and a free online Business Summit. Full programming information for SING! 2026 is available
at www.singtoronto.com.

Just Sing Documentary Heads to Theaters This April

Written by Leroy Hyson II on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on Just Sing Documentary Heads to Theaters This April

The real-life Pitch Perfect story of USC’s SoCal VoCals is coming to the big screen

The a cappella world is getting its own documentary moment this spring. Just Sing, the acclaimed coming-of-age film following the University of Southern California’s SoCal VoCals, has just been picked up by Abramorama for North American theatrical release — and it’s opening just in time for ICCA Finals weekend.

The film follows a pivotal season with the SoCal VoCals, one of the country’s top collegiate a cappella groups, as they pursue a record-setting sixth ICCA title. With graduation looming and expectations high, the ensemble faces the pressure of competition alongside the uncertainty of what comes next. Directors Angelique Molina and Abraham Troen take an intimate approach, weaving together rehearsal footage, personal histories, and the emotional journey of young performers chasing something bigger than a trophy.

Abramorama will open the film on April 24th in New York City at the Quad Cinema and in Los Angeles at the Laemmle NoHo 7 for an Academy-qualifying run, followed by a wider platform release. The timing is no coincidence — the ICCA Finals take place the very next day, April 25th, at The Town Hall in New York City.

For a cappella fans, this is the film we’ve been waiting for. For everyone else, it just might be the one that changes how you think about vocal music entirely.

For more information visit justsingfilm.com.

Pentatonix Brings World Tour to Europe This Spring

Written by Leroy Hyson II on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on Pentatonix Brings World Tour to Europe This Spring

The Grammy-winning a cappella giants are heading across the Atlantic for a massive run of dates

Pentatonix fans in Europe have plenty to look forward to this spring, as the beloved vocal group has announced an extensive European tour running from early April through early May 2026.

The tour kicks off on April 7 in Hungary before sweeping through some of Europe’s most iconic venues. Highlights include back-to-back nights in Germany — spanning Hamburg, Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt — along with stops in Paris, Amsterdam, and a sold-out date in Cardiff. The run wraps up May 3 in Sweden, with a London O2 Arena show on April 26 rounding out the UK leg.

Adding to the excitement, Kirstin Maldonado said of the upcoming shows: “This show will be unlike anything we have done before and may even include some new music! It’s going to be a special experience that we are so excited to share together.”

For those who can’t make the European dates, Pentatonix also have Japan dates planned for August in Tokyo and Osaka, suggesting the world tour is far from over.

Tickets for all dates are available at ptxofficial.com. If Cardiff’s sold-out show is any indication, fans are advised not to wait.

2026 CARA’s Announced!

Written by Leroy Hyson II on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on 2026 CARA’s Announced!

The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) has announced the nominees for the 2026 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs), celebrating an exceptional year of recorded achievement across the global a cappella community.

Each year, the CARAs recognize the albums, EPs, singles, and individual contributions that shape the sound of contemporary a cappella; and the 2026 nominees reflect a community that continues to evolve with confidence and creativity.

Genre categories once again showcase the remarkable range within the art form. Pop and Contemporary releases sit alongside Jazz, Barbershop, Classical, and World projects, illustrating how expansively a cappella artists are interpreting and redefining vocal music.

Behind many of these standout projects are the arrangers, producers, engineers, and mixers whose collaborative efforts elevate each release. Several familiar names appear across multiple categories, a testament to the interconnected and supportive nature of today’s recording community.

Scholastic ensembles also make a strong showing, earning recognition alongside professional and independent artists. The continued presence of high school and collegiate groups among the nominees speaks to the depth of talent being cultivated at every level of the art form.

To view the complete list of nominees, visit CASA.org. Winners will be announced later this year, with more details about the awards presentation coming soon.

Applications Open for the 2026 SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships

Written by Leroy Hyson II on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on Applications Open for the 2026 SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships

Calling all a cappella groups! Applications are now open for the 2026 SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships, one of Canada’s premier showcases for unaccompanied vocal music.

Open to all a cappella groups and styles, the SING! Championships welcome ensembles from across the a cappella spectrum. The 2026 competition will feature four categories: High School, University/Collegiate, Barbershop (new this year!), and Open (including post-collegiate, semi-professional, professional, and other non-scholastic groups).

A panel of respected a cappella luminaries will review video submissions and select the groups invited to compete live in Toronto. Chosen ensembles will take the stage at the iconic Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall on May 23, 2026, as part of the SING! Toronto Vocal Arts Festival.

Competitors will vie for exciting prizes, including cash awards and professional recording sessions, while performing on one of Canada’s most prestigious concert stages.

The application process includes a one-time fee of $50 + tax per group, payable through the online application form. High school groups are exempt from the application fee, making it easier than ever for young ensembles to participate.

To learn more and submit your application, visit singtoronto.com/singchampionships. If you sing a cappella, this is your chance to be heard—don’t miss it.

CASA Announces the 2026 A Cappella Video Award Nominees

Written by Leroy Hyson II on . Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on CASA Announces the 2026 A Cappella Video Award Nominees

The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) has officially revealed the nominees for the 2026 A Cappella Video Awards, celebrating another standout year of artistry behind—and in front of—the camera in the global a cappella community.

This year’s nominees highlight not only exceptional performances, but the producers, engineers, editors, and creative teams whose fingerprints appear across multiple categories. Familiar names like Ed Boyer, Bill Hare, Eric Scholz, Carson Trautman, Connor Martin, Angela Ugolini, and Marwan Ayman are recognized repeatedly for their work in audio production, mixing, mastering, and video direction; underscoring the collaborative backbone of today’s most successful a cappella videos.

In the Outstanding Choreography / Staging category, visually bold entries such as “Wicked Medley” by Vocal Point (Brigham Young University) ft. Savannah Stevenson and “Flesh & Bone” by Pitch, Please! (Northeastern University) push movement and storytelling to the forefront. Meanwhile, Outstanding Collaborative Video celebrates ambitious efforts, including The Bass Gang’s “Ghostbusters” featuring Peter Hollens and the international partnership of “Heroes” by Rebel Bit featuring MAZE Voices.

Across multiple categories, productions like “Mind Gag” by hachajah and “山 In the Clouds” by Voco Novo earned repeated nominations, a testament to their creative reach and the teams behind them. From independent studios to long-standing production houses, the 2026 nominees reflect a thriving ecosystem where innovation is driven by collaboration and craft.

To check out the rest of the nominations visit CASA.org. Winners will be announced in the first quarter of 2026, with awards ceremony details coming soon.