Acappella “Classic” presented a set of favorite Acappella “classic” songs from across the years at this year’s ACAFEST Celebration. I joined Steve Maxwell, Kevin Schaffer, George Pendergrass and Rodney Britt in an enjoyable presentation of songs we have sung many times before. This combination of Acappella alumni never sang together in the Ministry’s history, but this group represents several combinations from across the years. This group was originally organized for last year’s Africa Tour. At Acafest, “Classic” was an honored to open for Acappella, who are carrying the banner into the next generation.
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Tickets are now available for the Acappella Extravaganza concert during ACAFEST 2010 on the campus of Lipscomb University, featuring Acappella and Acappella Classic. Acappella will include this Nashville stop on their busy summer tour itinerary, and are excited to share the stage with the unique combination of alumni, referred to as Acappella Classic. Although the vocal veterans known as Acappella Classic did not sing together as an exact combo, their various tenures during Acappella’s 28 year history provide a common chemistry that produces a magical blend, including Rodney Britt’s rumbling bass and Kevin Schaffer’s soaring tenor. Other special artists will be included in the Extravaganza concert at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 2nd. We expect this concert to sell out in advance, so reserve your tickets today at iTickets.com
One of the highlights of our trip to South Africa was enjoying the hospitality of our promoter, Yami, along with his family and friends. We enjoyed a wonderful evening in their home with great food, fellowship and encouraging conversation.
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What a joy to sing with this unique vocal ensemble that was assembled for the South African tour. One of the special song combinations that was created for this trip was the medley of “Teaching The Truth In Love” going directly into “For The Lost.” As with any concerts, we could identify the rough spots as well as the smooth sections, having only recently assembled the group for this special trip. However, most of the songs returned like riding a bicycle — it all came back easily and clearly.
The most special concert experiences may differ for the audience and the artists, but one of the magical moments for us came with the blend and energy that resulted during the song, “For The Lost.” It was indeed, worth the entire trip! (Luke 19:10)
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After a while, it’s easy to lose count of how many interviews and media appearances Acappella Classis has made on the South African tour. Here is a shot from an SABC visit for a live radio interview, complete with singing. Our host was amazed by the sound and energy of the “Good Livin’” performance, and by how well it translated to live radio. Many stations we visited told us that a “live” performance was a first for their interview history. This is one of the benefits of all-vocal singing – you can “crank it up” at the drop of a hat almost anywhere!
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I captured this photo just before our sound check at the Rhema church in Johannesburg. The problem was, my wide angle lens was not even close to being wide enough to capture this massive, 6,000 seat auditorium. Thus, you are only seeing a center view of this semi-circle auditorium. I guess I could have stitched a series of panoramic shots, but I’ve not tried that photographic technique yet.
Notice that we have added a permanent link to the Acappella On Line radio on my blog (see below on the left column) thanks to Noel Green (an amazing web designer.) Included in the radio playlist is the version of Victory In Jesus, featuring the “young classic” vocalist, Steve Maxwell.
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As Acappella CLASSIC arrived at the airport in Johannesburg, a crowd of fans gathered to welcome the international travelers with a very joyful celebration. Drums were playing as the vocalists received this warm, first-class welcome to Africa. Acappella is so blessed by the many African fans and we’re looking forward to connecting with many of them in person.
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Acappella Classic, former members of Acappella’s full-time touring ministry, are reuniting for concerts in South Africa in October and November. We’ll be singing in Johannesburg and Capetown, as we travel to Africa later this month. George Pendergrass, outstanding lead vocalist and an amazing world-class talent, will be joining this concert tour and pleasing audiences through his God-given talents. George is currently the Director of Multi-Cultural Affairs at Abilene Christian University.
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He has an unforgettable voice. I’ve seen the faces of countless people as they hear Rodney Britt for the first time; the look on their faces as if to say, “Is that sound really coming from him?” Yes, it’s real and it’s a God-given bass voice unlike any other. Rodney joined the group in 1985 and began recording on the Travelin’ Shoes album. Rodney’s talent has contributed in a powerful way to the ministry of Acappella, so it’s very fitting that he will join the “Classic” Acappella group in South Afrcia later this month.All the time, people are asking me of the whereabouts of past members of Acappella and Rodney is no exception. Rodney is preaching for the Ocean Springs church of Christ in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. In addition to singing on many of the Acappella albums, he and I released a project several years back, entitled Lancaster-Britt. I can assure you that his talent has not faded with time. Click here and check out favorite songs from Acappella’s catalog on the new Acappella ON LINE Radio, as well as interviews with George and Mo, podcasts, along with a pre-release airing of one song from the upcoming Praise & Harmony release, “You’re The One.” Go to www.Acappella.org and turn off the pop-up music. Then, under “What’s Hot?,” click “Acappella launches on-line radio.” Pick your favorite media player and enjoy! ]]>
Vocal aficionado, Steve Maxwell, will be joining me, George Pendergrass, Rodney Britt, Kevin Schaffer and Gary Moyers to sing in South Africa later this month and early November. Steve has an incredible range and can sufficiently handle everything from lead, tenor, baritone, vocal percussion and everything in between. He is currently serving as the College Minister of the Cross Point church of Christ in Florence, Alabama. This is Sharon’s home congregation, as it was previously known as the Darby Drive church. Steve is featured on an unreleased, live version of “Victory In Jesus” that can be heard on our brand new on-line Acappella radio. Click here and check out Steve’s solo with Acappella Classic “live,” as well as interviews with George and Mo, along with a pre-release airing of one song from the upcoming Praise & Harmony release, “You’re The One.” Go to www.Acappella.org and turn off the pop-up music. Then, under “What’s Hot?,” click “Acappella launches on-line radio.” Pick your favorite media player and enjoy!
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