The Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival is an annual showcase and competition for a cappella groups of all vocal styles. The competition is organized into eight regional events across the United States, with each winning group advancing to the National Finals in San Rafael, California.
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The festival began in 1984 at a neighborhood pub in Marin County as a small and informal contest between friends. It is now a national competition, with eight regional events held in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Olympia (Pacific Northwest), San Francisco (Bay Area), and Washington, DC (Mid-Atlantic). The National Finals take place each May at the Marin Veteran's Auditorium in San Rafael.
The Harmony Sweepstakes has also established an annual A Cappella Summit, a two-day jamboree and convention for enthusiasts of contemporary a cappella. The Summit consists of workshops, performances, demonstrations, and seminars, along with vendors offering goods and services for the a cappella community.
The Sweepstakes inspired the NBC reality show The Sing-Off.[1]
| Year | Grand Champion | Audience Favorite |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Da Capo | Da Capo |
| 2010 | Plumbers of Rome | b vocal |
| 2009 | MAXX Factor | The Love Notes |
| 2008 | Vocaldente | Vocaldente |
| 2007 | Moira Smiley & VOCO | Face |
| 2006 | Hi-Fidelity | Hi-Fidelity |
| 2005 | Groove For Thought | Face |
| 2004 | The Idea of North | The Idea of North |
Finalists:[3]
Hosted by 2010 National Champions, Plumbers of Rome.
Finalists:[1]
Finalists:[1]
Finalists:[1]
Hosted by 2006 National Champions, Hi-Fidelity.
Finalists:[4]
Hosted by Groove for Thought, 2005 National Champions