Two of the finest a cappella groups anywhere, SIX, top, and Rockapella.
“What a fantastic opportunity to experience two of the finest a cappella groups performing today,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “For a limited time, between now and July 16, Branson visitors will be able to hear and see the amazing full-band a cappella sounds of one of Branson’s most popular shows SIX and, the group considered one of the originators of the sound, Rockapella, as they perform, just down the street from each other, on the famed Branson Strip,” she added.
SIX, composed of the six Knudsen brothers, Curtis, Lynn, Kevin, Jak, Barry, and Owen, turned their passion for a cappella music into a full time profession in 1995 and have never looked back. Tens of thousands of Branson visitors have sat in awe wondering where the band is as they hear amazing vocals and a “band” performing, but see no band, just the SIX Knudsen brothers.
Their performance of the full-band style of a cappella goes far beyond just “singing” a cappella. Percussion, strings, horns and other instruments can definitely be heard, but they’re nowhere to be seen! Honed from years of performing around the world for A-List celebrities and major corporations, every sound heard during their performance is made using only their voices.
And, it’s not just their a cappella singing! These guys have a keen wit, are naturally funny; displaying superb timing as they share family stories “along with wacky antics that include silly props and sound effects that, of course, come from their mouths!”
Rockapella, formed 1986, is credited with being one of the originators of the “full-band a cappella sound.” Although none of the original members are still in the group, Rockapella, has enjoyed a “phenomenal career since their inception and introduction “to a broad audience on Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, an incredibly popular PBS show in the 90’s.” The current Rockapella line-up features Scott Leonard (since 1991, High Tenor), Jeff Thacher (1993, Vocal Percussionist), Steven Dorian (2010, Tenor), Calvin Jones (2013, Tenor), and Ryan Chappelle (2015, Bass).
They have become one of the world’s most sophisticated, lasting, and imitated vocal groups and have had a profound influence on the “new era of network television a cappella shows like NBC’s The Sing-Off, movies like Pitch Perfect, and innumerable college vocal groups. They’ve toured the globe and provided a funky powerful soundtrack to several generations of vocal music fans, while keeping it all fresh along the way. With buckets of catchy original pop songs, and complete contemporary revisions of sparkling Motown, pop, and soul classics, this group has always been the one to watch.”
The full-band a cappella sound experience, that both Rockapella and SIX audiences can expect, was summed up beautifully by Rockapella’s Jeff Thacher when he said, “There’s nothing between us and the audience; it’s very human music with nothing missing. No instruments, no tracks, no mirrors…but never lame.” In reporting about Rockapella, USA Today said, “The best musical instrument of all is the human voice – if you’ve seen Rockapella you know that’s the truth.”
“A cappella music lovers, and those who just love great music and entertainment should not miss this opportunity to experience these two fabulous groups,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Wood. “What’s even better is that you can save money by buying your show tickets in a package along with lodging and attractions. For additional information or tickets for SIX or Rockapella and packages please call one of our Branson based Travel Planners at 1-866-593-9740. They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson hotels, shows, or attractions and assist you in planning your Branson trip. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.