Da Vinci's Notebook

Da Vinci's Notebook (or simply DVN) was a comedic a cappella singing group. Former Artists-in-Residence at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, they performed specials on Comedy Central and PBS, and spent time as the "house band" on Washington radio's WBIG-FM. They were also regular guests on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Radio Show.

History

The group was formed in 1993, by Bernie Muller-Thym, Greg "Storm" DiCostanzo, Paul Sabourin and Richard Hsu. Muller-Thym, DiCostanzo, and Sabourin met via a classified ad. Hsu, a friend of DiConstanzo from the University of Maryland, joined them in the summer of 1993. Bass singer Jay Jones sang with them from 1993 to 1994.

Da Vinci's Notebook made their debut at the 1994 Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes, where they came in third place.^[1] In 1996, they came back and won the 1996 Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes.^[2]

They continued to tour, locally and nationally, for the next ten years.^[3] Highlights included some of the most prestigious folk venues and festivals on the East Coast, such as the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

In addition to their albums, DVN also recorded a track called "The Ballad of The Sneak" for the Homestar Runner cartoon website.^[4] This song was credited to the entire group, though it was only written and performed by Paul and Storm.

In 2004, the band stopped touring and regular performances.^[5] Two of the members, Paul and Storm, then hit the road as a musical duo dubbed Paul and Storm. DVN will still perform together on occasion for corporate shows.

In 2007, interest in the band spiked as they began to get played on the syndicated Bob and Tom radio show. Their signature songs include "Ally McBeal", "Enormous Penis", "Internet Porn", and "Title of the Song".

In 2013, DVN's "Another Irish Drinking Song" was featured in the film Despicable Me 2, with new lyrics in the language of the Minions.

Members

• Paul Sabourin, tenor
• Richard Hsu, tenor, keyboard
• Greg "Storm" DiCostanzo, baritone
• Jay Jones, bass (1993-1994)
• Bernie Muller-Thym, bass (vocal), guitar

Music

• "Title of the Song"
• "Enormous Penis"
• "Kingdom in the Sky"
• "Jump in the Line"
• "Another Irish Drinking Song"
• "Secret Asian Man"
• "The Gates"
• "I Wish I Were..."
• "Internet Porn"
• "The Big Chair"
• "I Wrote This Song"
• "Hot Soup"
• "Magic Kingdom"
• "Uncle Buford"
• "Liposuction"
• "Three Little Words"
• "Me Pants Fall Down"
• "Spork"
• "Enema Countdown"

Discography

• Bendy's Law
• The Life and Times of Mike Fanning
• Brontosaurus

Awards and nominations

• Professional awards include two Wammies (Washington DC local music awards) for "Best A Cappella" group.

References

External links

• Da Vinci's Notebook discography at MusicBrainz