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Rockapella has been singing its way into the history books, or better yet Atlas books, for years. Success first came when it released “Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?”
The red-haired villain that escaped every obstacle no matter the circumstances — that was Carmen Sandiego, but it was Rockapella’s harmonic TV tune that has stuck through the years. Now Rockapella is back with its new all-original album called “Bang.”
At 8 p.m. on Memorial Day, Rockapella will take stage at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre. It will be the fourth time the group has visited the SCERA.
April Berlin, a SCERA employee, is excited to be entertained once again by the skilled group.
“The last time we had them was in 2004,” Berlin said. “We did have them twice before that, once in 1994 and in ’97. They are very well liked and lots of fun for all ages.”
SCERA’s President and CEO, Adam Robertson, is ready to start the summer off with a “Bang” — no pun intended — and he said he is excited to have Rockapella performing on stage.
“Rockapella is definitely back by popular demand,” Robertson said in a news release. “They are the nation’s premier vocals-only band, and with their smooth dance moves, sophisticated arrangements and high energy spontaneity, these guys are supremely cool.”
The group is known for its full-band sound that comes from the talents of five men with microphones and nothing else. A USA Today review said, “The best musical instrument of all is the human voice — if you’ve seen Rockapella, you know that’s the truth.”
Jeff Thatcher, vocal percussionist and member of Rockapella since 1993, credits Disney for preparing musicians for success.
“In Disney, you could do up to five or six shows a day,” Thatcher said. “You really have to be ready at the drop of a hat to be on your game. It is a real proving ground for performers.”
Rockapella vocalists include vocal percussionist Thatcher, bass George Baldi, high tenor Scott Leonard and two tenors, John K. Brown and Steven Dorian. Each member was influenced by Disney and brings a unique aspect to the group.
For Thatcher, the idea of spitting for a living, also known as beat-boxing, was difficult.
“Rockapella having a full-time vocal percussionist was a new idea,” Thatcher said. “That phrase, ‘I spit for a living,’ definitely stuck once I used it. It was the most simple and fast description for being a full-time vocal percussionist. I started as a an all-around musician and you just take what life gives you.”
While the new CD is an all-original record, Rockapella will be performing half-originals and half-covers at its Orem show.
“We love Utah,” Thatcher said. “We’ve been many times. I think residents of the area know what they like and they want to see a high-energy, entertaining show that is clean at the same time. Utah is one of our homes. We love sharing what we do with you.”
Tickets can be purchased at the main office of the SCERA Center, by calling 801-225-ARTS, online at scera.org or at the gate 90 minutes before the performance.
“We are very excited to have Rockapella back,” Robertson said. “They are very entertaining and always a crowd pleaser. Bring the whole family. Its great, affordable family fun.”
