SingStrong Returns to South Lakes High School

will be filled with a capella singers this weekend (March 23-25) as the annual SingStrong competition takes place in Reston.

This is the fifth year in a row that South Lakes has hosted the event, which is also a fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association.

 “Where else can you find an audience giving a standing ovation to both urban street performers and classically trained singers in the same show?” asked Jonathan Minkoff,  producer of the vocal festival.

Among the headliners: Pentatonix, Afro-Blue Vocal Band and MAXX Factor from NBC's a cappella TV show, The Sing Off; Lollapalooza's Julia Easterlin; New York City's Blue Jupiter; Tuvan overtone singer; Alex Glenfield, beatboxer; Masai Electro, urban jazz sextet; The Edge Effect and champion barbershop quartet, Da Capo.

The all event will feature five concerts and over a dozen master classes and features nothing but the human voice.

Event proceeds will also benefit local music programs.

Styles will include pop, jazz, rock, barbershop, reggae-tone, beatbox and more, all performed completely a cappella. Groups will use only their voices to perform leads, harmonies and to vocally imitate a virtual orchestra of sounds –including jazz trumpet, classical strings, distorted electric guitar and a full drum set –all without instruments of any kind.

Here is a schedule of events:

Friday

7 p.m., Concert, “A cappella Idol,” is an a cappella competition in the style of American Idol. Celebrity judges give live feedback. First place is $1,000 and audience members get to vote using their cell phones to help determine the winner. Groups, professional and amateur, from as far as Michigan and as close as DC will compete for prizes in fast-paced sets.

Saturday

Saturday, 2 p.m.  Matinee concert  featuring a High School level competition with multiple awards as judged by respected a cappella educators from around the country.

7 p.m., Main event Concert featureing MAXX Factor; Lollapalooza favorite and live-looper, Julia Easterlin; Oreo Cookie Theme winners, Blue Jupiter;  and beatboxer, Masai Electro. 

The 40 minutes between the 8:30 end of the 7pm MAXX Factor and Friends Concert and the beginning of the 9:30 PM Pentatonix and friends concert is a charity auction.

Saturday, 9:30 p.m.,  Main Event Concert featuring Pentatonix, National Harmony Sweepstakes Champion barbershoppers, DaCapo, jazz-funk sensation, The Edge Effect; and Tuvan Overtone singer, Alex Glenfield,

Ongoing

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, SingStrong will present over a dozen classes on such topics as producing a CD, stage presence, starting an a cappella group, beatboxing, copyright law, and musical arranging. From beginners to pros, these classes are designed to help anyone interested in a cappella take their skills to the next level. Attending a cappella groups will also enjoy free private coachings with their weekend passes.

Rita Giglotti, the South Lakes Choral Director who has helped organize the event, says he students find great inspiration in hosting experienced performers.

“My students are inspired both musically and personally. It's hard to believe we get to have this much fun for such a great cause!” she says.

Tickets start at $15. Discount tickets and complete information can be found  at www.SingStrong.org.