Cartoon Johnny Sweeps Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes

Cartoon Johnny, a premier a cappella group, was awarded the title of Mid-Atlantic a Cappella Champions. They also received the coveted Audience Favorite" honor, as well as the award for best arrangement for their rendition of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

Alexandria VA (PRWEB) April 16, 2005 -- In the group's third appearance at the Harmony Sweepstakes Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition, Cartoon Johnny struck gold. They were awarded the title of Mid-Atlantic a Cappella Champions. They also received the coveted Audience Favorite" honor, as well as the award for best arrangement for their rendition of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." The group also performed the hip-hop hit Rock Your Body" and the soulful ballad Crazy Love." They move on to represent the Mid-Atlantic Region in the National Harmony Sweepstakes Finals held in San Rafael, California on Saturday, May 7, 2005.

Cartoon Johnny is an energetic vocal band that pushes the limits of traditional a cappella. Drawing on influences from classic soul to modern alternative, they've crafted an exciting sound that is often mistaken for an instrumental band- but it's all-vocal. The group is made up of Kieran Daly, Tenor; Kevin Dixon, Baritone; Ben Feeney, Vocal Percussion; Mike Henrickson, Baritone; Darcy Romano, Soprano; Mike Webb, Bass; and Dan Bui, Sound Engineer. Based in Northern Virginia, Cartoon Johnny performs a variety of sure-fire audience favorites and their own original music, bringing audiences to their feet show after show.

A HUGE thank you to the judges, the producers, and the entire sound and lighting crew who make The Birchmere one of the greatest houses to perform in," said group member Mike Henrickson after the show. We would also like to thank our friend David Braxton for working with us to polish our set and refine the details to help us put on the best show we could."

The Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes spotlighted eight bands at the Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria. The competition included three other DC-area groups: Tonic & Gin, Staticflow, and Almost Recess, who took home second runner-up. Baltimore's Regency, who brought down the house with their amazing energy, was named first runner-up. The audience was also treated to great sets from competitors Vocal Obsession of Aberdeen, MD, who took home the award for Best Original Song for their own "My Store," as well as Floridas jazzy quartet, Rare Blend, who traveled the farthest to participate in the sweepstakes.

Three additional non-competing groups participated for a memorable show. Turning in another fantastic performance as show MCs were The Tone Rangers. dcVocals performed a great set while they worked with producer Ted Donat to make the show run like clockwork. Out of the Blue, a collegiate group from Oxford University, provided energy and humor with their version of "Fat-Bottomed Girls."

The Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival" is the premier American showcase for vocal harmony music. The annual national competition draws from hundreds of vocal groups from around the country with regional competitions in eight cities. The winning group from each festival is flown to perform in front of celebrity judges and a sold out house of enthusiastic a cappella fans at the National Finals.

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