Over twenty former members of AVB vibrated Alumni Auditorium with song and dance on Lipscomb's Campus yesterday in an incredible three and one half hour concert (with no breaks!) Tim Corder did an amazing job of running sound for this multiple combination of groups as Corey Callis ran the lights, with assistance from several outstanding technical support team members. Tim thought it was hilarious that Rodney and I "opened" for AVB, as AVB originated as an "opening group" for Acappella.
Rehearsals
Half the fun was hearing all the different combinations rehearse and prepare their set.
Catching up, reminiscing and fellowshipping was a tremendous blessing!
Their voices are still in top shape.
Their energetic stage presence captivated the audience.
I enjoyed a front row seat so I could capture these great angles.
George Pendergrass always told me that in order to sing really, really well, sometimes your face will show the effort. Check out Bret's passion.
Check out this mid-air shot of the "Celebrate and Party" AVB.
Everyone at the concert felt as if we were "stepping on a cloud" as well. Wes Mckinzie did a wonderful job of organizing this reunion concert. Maybe in a couple of years we'll encourage AVB to sing for a "25th Anniversary"? Everyone was so blessed by this extremely rare treat, as the three and a half hours went by very quickly. If something like this happens again, we hope you'll make plans to join us.
Lipscomb was a gracious host for this event. We'll be adding many more pictures, so keep checking for updates at the AVB Reunion Gallery.
ACAFEST photos are starting to come in. Here are some shots taken by Randy Glover at the 8:30 A.M. class.
Check out the ACAFEST gallery here (we'll be updating it.) We also have some great shots taken of the Praise & Harmony recording by my friend, Mary Lewis.
These past couple of days, singers from around the nation descended upon Music City to record our next Praise & Harmony CD. There is nothing like the sound of this many voices and hearts joined together in beautiful harmony and praise! I'll post pictures soon.
In addition to the AVB reunion concert, we'll be hearing from so many other Christian artists throughout the week. Hosting the Thursday artist showcase (2:00 PM in Alumni Auditorium) will be none other than the very talented and energetic Paul Williams.
Also included in our eclectic line up will be Psalom from Russia.
Look at the right side of my blog and you'll see a count down notice, "___" days until ACAFEST. It has been counting down for the past year. It now says, "1 Day Until ACAFEST." Below that, you'll find a playlist of favorite Acappella songs, including many from the brand new album, Find Your Way.
Pray for all those who are traveling from far and wide to join us during this week, celebrating the human voice, the power of song and the One who created us. Eclectic styles will be represented in special concerts. The AVB reunion benefit concert will be the icing on the cake. If you can't be here this year, we hope you'll make plans to be in NashVegas next year for the family-friendly, Summer Celebration / ACAFEST.
The Acappella Company is looking to hire a full-time Office Assistant to handle tasks including answering the phones, shipping, etc. If you know someone in the Nashville area interested in applying, please contact Brent Vaughan.
We are excited to announce our partnership with Oklahoma Christian, which will move the singing group, Acappella, to based in Edmond, Oklahoma. Check out the press release:
Oklahoma Christian University (OC) has reached an agreement with the
Acappella Company that will move members of the popular Christian vocal
group Acappella to the OC campus this fall. The company’s headquarters
will remain in Goodlettsville, Tenn.
Dr. Mike O’Neal, president of OC, said the goal of the partnership
is to promote the beauty and spiritual merit of a cappella music. The
agreement with Acappella provides significant benefits to both
parties.
“Many of the talented young people who have been a part of Acappella
over the years have had to put their college education on hold because
of the group’s busy schedule and extensive travel,” he said. “We are
providing scholarships to the members of the group. Though Acappella
will remain independent of the university, their presence on our campus
will result in much goodwill toward Oklahoma Christian as they minister
throughout the world.”
Keith Lancaster, founder of Acappella and CEO of the Acappella
Company, said, “Never before has the need to celebrate and strengthen
the wonderful heritage of a cappella singing been greater. Along with
the international concert ministry, Acappella will be mobilizing to
lead worship for youth events as well as training and developing a
cappella worship leaders. We are energized by Dr. O’Neal’s vision and
foresight as he leads Oklahoma Christian to be an ever greater source
of strength to equip the local church. Acappella Ministries is honored
to be included in this mission.”
Lancaster — songwriter, producer and original lead singer — started
Acappella in 1982 with a mission to communicate Gospel truths through
music. Believing in the awesome versatility and flexibility of the
human voice, Acappella can fill a large concert hall with beautiful,
intricate music without instrumental accompaniment.
Acappella’s fan base steadily grew through the 1980s as the group
experienced many lineup changes and constantly experimented with fresh
new sounds. The landmark album, Sweet Fellowship (1988), ushered in one
of the most significant developments in the group’s membership and
style. Lancaster stepped out of the group as lead singer to focus on
the role of producer and manager. The group continued to change after
that, developing a unique sound that has been mimicked by countless
groups around the world.
Signed to Word Records in 1990 (and later to Epic Records),
Acappella’s popularity soared with releases such as Rescue, We Have
Seen His Glory and Set Me Free. Media exposure included many television
appearances, while the song “More Precious Than Gold” became the
centerpiece of a Sony Camcorder television commercial. Acappella’s new
album, Find Your Way, is a mix of strong harmony and sound biblical
lyrics. Featuring Acappella’s trademark strong bass and soaring tenor,
Find your Way marks a triumphant return for the quintet since their
last release of three years ago, Radiance.
Five talented young men — Allen Brantley, Robin Brannon, Zac George,
Anthony Lancaster and Zach Wilson — continue Acappella’s work today in
concerts all over the world. When Acappella relocates to Oklahoma City
in August, Brantley will hand the bass singer baton to Wes McKinzie,
who previously toured for seven years with another Acappella Company
group, AVB. McKinzie, who is OC’s associate director of marketing
services, will join Acappella while retaining his current position at
Oklahoma Christian.
This official partnership builds on a long history between Oklahoma
Christian and Acappella. Thirteen former or current OC students have
served with the Acappella Company through the years: Brantley, Rodney
Britt, Luke Coles, Will Coleson, Zac George, Michael Forehand, Steve
Maxwell, McKinzie, Robert Orr, Max Plaster, Chet Sweet, Denise Sweet
and Bret Testerman.
For additional information concerning Acappella, log on to
www.acappella.org. For more information about Oklahoma Christian, log
on to www.oc.edu.
Acappella Ministries is pleased to announce the newest member of Acappella, Wes McKinzie.
Wes McKinzie is from San Antonio, Texas, and currently lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. He is Acappella’s newest member, but his face and voice may be familiar – he was AVB’s bass singer for seven years.
He appeared on AVB’s Song In My Soul, What’s Your Tag Say?, Celebrate and Party, U & Me & God Make 5, The Road, and Caminando En La Luz, plus many other Acappella Company projects.
Wes’ work in music ministry includes stints with Psallo, an a cappella gospel group based in Los Angeles, and EQ, an Oklahoma City-based quintet. He also is on the worship team at Quail Springs Church of Christ in Oklahoma City.
Wes holds a bachelor’s degree in radio/television from Oklahoma Christian University and a master’s degree in journalism/mass communication from the University of Oklahoma. He currently serves as Oklahoma Christian’s associate director of marketing services and directs OC’s student a cappella group, New Reign.
His wife of 16 years, Delisa, also sang on many Acappella Company projects. They are blessed with two wonderful children: Mikayla, their eight-year-old daughter, and Schad, their eight-month-old son.
Wes’ favorite scripture is I Thessalonians 5:16-18. “Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
As families make plans for summer travel, we are excited to hear of so many who will be joining us at ACAFEST 2009. Tracy Dean of The Acappella Company is coordinating this year's events.
Singing Groups
As part of Lipscomb's Summer Celebration, fun activities will be available for the entire family. If you're on a limited travel budget, you'll find this trip to be a very economical vacation. Summer Celebration and Acafest is free of charge, although the AVB Reunion concert has a ticket price with limited seating. Reserve your AVB Reunion concert tickets at iTickets.com
Congregational Singing
Picnic, fireworks, concerts, youth activities . . . Join us July 1-3 on the campus of Lipscomb University!
I've posted this flyer before (from 1987), but I thought it was special enough to repeat. Hope you are making plans to join us this year for ACAFEST 2009. Admission to ACAFEST is free for everything except the AVB reunion concert. You may purchase AVB concert tickets at iTickets.com.
Things have changed from 22 years ago. Join us this year on the campus of Lipscomb University for a fabulous combination of ACAFEST along with Lipscomb's Summer Celebration, providing Christian fun and fellowship for all ages.
To say that this male quintet changed quite a bit in a few years is an understatement.
AVB recorded a a tremendous amount of great music during their very active touring history.
Tickets are still available for the AVB Reunion Benefit concert at Lipscomb University - July 3 at 2:00 P.M. Go online at iTickets to get your tickets today. Tomorrow (May 16) is the last day to purchase at the special discounted price.
We are launching a major nation-wide talent search. Please help us spread the word. If you are responsible for helping us fill any of these positions, you can receive some free music from The Acappella Company.
Worship Leader Internship This internship will be based in Oklahoma and last for several weeks, beginning in September. Four-year degree helpful. Worship Leader Institute Advanced, in-depth training for song leaders - September 6-9. Limited enrollment. Now accepting applications. SATB Quartets For Recording The best volunteers from around the country from each congregation will rehearse and prepare for a Praise & Harmony recording on September 4, 5 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Marketing / Public Relations Director This position will handle marketing and P.R. for Acappella. Music Typesetter Knowledge of Finale and photoshop required for this position. Vocalists In Acappella College age males needed to apply. Groups to appear at ACAFEST A few short time slots are still available for outstanding a cappella groups to appear at ACAFEST 2009, July 1-3.
Tracy Dean at our home office will be handling information for these and posting information soon. Her address is: tracy@acappella.com
These unique moments rarely come around; one-of-a-kind reunion concerts can be memorable and special treats. AVB touched thousands of lives with their pop vocal style that delivered the Good News in a very unique way. For the first time ever, you can hear a special combination of the vocalists who comprised this vocal ensemble as they gather in Nashville, Tennessee for the AVB reunion concert. Enjoy the varioius styles that evolved over years of touring as these alumni sing their hearts out once again.
AVB REUNION CONCERT
JULY 3, 2009 2:00 P.M.
LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Seating limited. Purchase your tickets today at iTickets.com using the link below:
AVB began as a back-up singing group for Acappella, when Acappella was comprised of only two members: Rodney Britt and me.
Our concerts had become very "backup-track" dependent, since there were only two members in Acappella. Although, all the voices on the back-up concert tracks were ours, it looked strange to see two guys in concerts while hearing numerous voices. AVB was launched to serve as back-up vocalists for our concerts and also to sing as an opening group.
George Gee Max Plaster Wes McKinzie Jay Smith
AVB developed into a formidable group themselves, branching out on their own to tour full-time, reaching young audiences around the world. This summer, the roles will be reversed - Rodney and I will be singing at the AVB reunion concert in July; but this time, we'll be opening for AVB.
ACAPPELLA 1986
Seating is limited for this one-of-a-kind AVB Reunion concert. Prices increase closer to the concert. Net proceeds to benefit the Praise & Harmony Asian Missions. Purchase your tickets today at iTickets.com.
AVB Reunion Concert JULY 3, 2009 2:00 P.M. Alumni Auditorium Lipscomb University Campus
I've been trying to get my voice recovered so I'll be strong enough to lead worship tonight at the Tulsa Workshop. In addition, there are three services to lead in the morning at Park Plaza. In less than two hours, Acappella will be presenting some songs for the first time in concert from their brand new album, FIND YOUR WAY. At the moment, the snow is falling pretty seriously. I wonder how that will affect the turn out? I hope you are all warm and dry. I have never seen it snow at the Tulsa Workshop. I'm guessing it won't be snowing for the AVB Reunion concert at ACAFEST. (Speaking of, the seating for the AVB concert is limited, so make sure you secure your tickets right away at iTickets.com
What? AVB Reunion Concert When? July 3 at 2 PM Where? Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN Tickets? iTickets.com
No video will be made available for this historic reunion. Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets today.
AVB began 23 years ago as back-up singers for the group ACAPPELLA. Their transition from a traditional Southern Gospel style to an a cappella "boy band" evolved over the following years. Join us for this unique opportunity to experience this one of a kind concert, celebrating the ministry of AVB.
Gary Moyers hosts a podcast called the Pipecast. He interviewed me in the latest podcast.
I believe the new album effectively connects to the "old school" Acappella sound, while highlighting the contemporary talents of the current members. I look forward to hearing feedback.
"Mult-track" is a term often used in recording technology to describe audio recording machines that facilitate the independent recording of several different "takes" and tracks at different times; thus allowing everything to be played back in perfect sync together. Thus, one person can become a "one-man band" by playing or singing all the parts. For decades, mult-track recorders have been the standard in every recording studio.
Many songwriters will use multi-track recorders to sketch out song ideas, as many portable units are designed specifically for that purpose -- a musical sketch pad, if you will. I have used these to some extent, but I'd like to tell you about my new (and highly unusual) method of writing songs, which I employed for Acappella's Find Your Way album.
I met with Acappella for many songwriting sessions, during which the five members of Acappella became my "human mult-track" recorder. Here's how it works. First, I'll come to the session with a song fragment, phrase or "hook," and a Scripture; although, there have been times when I started completely from a clean slate with no prepared ideas. We will sit in somewhat of a circle and the guys understand their assignment is to "playback" exactly what I sing to them. It's important that each individual focuses on remembering exactly what I sing for them, as my retention (even short- term) in this type of creative process is very limited.
Next, I'll pick a second person to sing a harmonizing, a supporting or counter-balancing part with the original part. This will continue until we have gone around the circle and everyone has an assignment. As I hear things that need to be adjusted and changed during this process, I'll immediately re-assign the part or make the necessary adjustments. Again, the singers' role is to focus on repeating the new part in playback mode, similar to a recording device.
This method reaps pleasing results, as I receive immediate feedback on how the song is working with each particular voice and unique voice combination. This is very different from the normal "song-plugging" process (common in music centers like Nashville), where song writers record very elaborate demos, using vocalists with similar traits, mimicking the performer for whom they are attempting to write / pitch songs. Our unusual "human mult-track" system provides me with instant feedback, hearing what works well with this unique combination of voices. The results are simply amazing.
I am thrilled with this project. Robin, Zac, Anthony, Zach and Allen have synergized their voices into a finished product that is quite stunning, in my opinion. (But you expect that's what I'll say, as I'm so close to this project and have been living with some of these songs for years now.)
During the process, the guys will graciously be silent as I conceive of new melodies and possible lyric combinations. During the creative exercise, I'll marry words with melody and say, "Hey Zach, sing this: 'Find your way to the Lord and He'll be making a way for you . . .' "
Have you heard of anyone else writing songs this way?
Feb 24-26 Worship Leader Institute Mar 26-28 Tulsa Soulwinning Workshop April P&H South Pacific Tour May 4-8 Pepperdine Lectures June 27-30 Red River Family Encampment July 1-3 ACAFEST International Festival July 3 AVB Reunion Concert July Acappella Brazil Tour August P&H U.K. Tour Aug 26-Sep 7 Mediterranean Singing Cruise
The Acappella Company is seeking a full-time business manager who is self motivated and detail oriented to be responsible for diverse operations. Five plus years in project management required. Qualified parties should contact Matt Straughn.
One of the songs on the new Acappella album is, "All Over The World." Singing in a round, the words begin as Robin sings (based upon Scripture):
"All over the world this Gospel is bearing fruit and growing."
This morning, I was chatting with a contact in Japan about a trip there later this year, as well as communicating with a friend in England about the European workshop. In a few weeks, we'll be in Australia/New Zealand and in a few months, Brazil. The Gospel is bearing fruit all over the world and God is indeed working powerfully. My prayer is that we can join Him in His work.
Remember the passage, "All the earth bows down to You!" ? Here's another line from the opening song on the upcoming Acappella album:
"The whole earth is filled with awe at Your wonders!"
If we don't praise Him, the rocks are going to cry out.
