Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival Pacific NW Regionals
Featuring 2024 PNW Champions: J209
Welcome to this celebration of the incredible power of the human voice. There’s something truly magical about voices coming together, whether in harmony, rhythm or raw emotion. Let yourself be moved, inspired and uplifted!
At the end of the evening, one standout group will earn the chance to compete in the National Finals in October 2025 alongside winners from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the Mid-Atlantic, San Francisco and Boston.
We’re so glad you’re here – enjoy the music!
Victoria Montrose
PNW Regional Director
Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival
SHOW ORDER
2024 Champs – J209
About Tonight’s Competition
Competing Groups (in alphabetical order)
- Minor Adjustment
- Puget Sound Company
- Quayside Voices
- Sorella
- Stage Appropriate
- The Pillage People
- Verdant
INTERMISSION
Vote for your favorite group!
2024 Champs – J209
Awards Ceremony
Afterglow
in the lobby after the show
Goodnight Sweetheart lyrics
Goodnight sweetheart, well it’s time to go (2x)
I hate to leave you but I really must say,
Goodnight sweetheart, goodnight.
Well it’s three o’clock in the morning’
Baby, I just can’t treat you right
I hate to leave you baby
Don’t mean maybe
Because I love you so.
Goodnight sweetheart, well it’s time to go (2x)
I hate to leave you but I really must say,
Goodnight sweetheart, goodnight
Now my mother and my father,
They might hear if I stay too long
One kiss and we’ll part,
Then you’d better be goin’
Although I hate to see you go!
Goodnight sweetheart, well it’s time to go (2x)
I hate to leave you but I really must say,
Goodnight sweetheart, goodnight
EMCEE
Katie Hill
Katie is proud and excited to be the emcee for a 2nd year at Harmony Sweepstakes A Capella Festival. A member of Masterwork’s Choral Ensemble since 2020, Katie truly loves the musical community that she gets to be a part of. She loves making music with her spouse and children. Witnessing her kids fall in love with music is one of her greatest honors. As the emcee of Harmony Sweepstakes, she hopes to help bring the community a night of fun, laughter, and maybe even a little suspense as we celebrate the incredible work and dedication of so many A Capella groups. Let’s get our “A Ca” on, Olympia!
JUDGES
Angi Swan
Angi started singing and playing piano at an early age. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s in Music Education, earned her Kodaly certification at the University of St. Thomas, and completed her Masters in Music Education at Kent State University. She has taught elementary music, private piano and voice lessons, and has held organist, bell choir, adult and children’s choir director positions in various churches and community groups. Angi is a K-5 general music teacher in the Olympia School District, choir director with the Olympia Youth Chorus, and the accompanist for Masterworks Choral Ensemble.
Deborah Vinsel
Deborah recently retired after four decades in nonprofit community media, 34 as the CEO at Thurston Community Media. Vinsel’s decision to make media her career was an extension of her love of the performing arts. Her parents supported her passion with training in music and dance throughout her school years. Vinsel found a performing home in community theater until the siren song of television pulled her into a career both in front and behind the camera. She still enjoys singing and dancing for an audience and has never met a microphone she didn’t love or stage that didn’t beckon. Vinsel often says “the arts shaped my life.”
Jill Barnes
Jill Barnes is the Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, a lover of all things Broadway, and a car/shower/office singer extraordinaire. She has a music degree from the University of Utah and a Master’s in Arts Administration from Boston University. She shares her home and life with her husband Nathan, 3 curly haired kids, a wonderful Korean exchange student, and 2 gentle giants (AKA Great Danes). She’s in love with the new wallpaper in the recently renovated Center and is over the moon to again have the opportunity to regularly attend live performances and to play a part in facilitating those opportunities with the community.
HOST GROUP
J209
J209 is a powerhouse Christian a cappella band known for our incredible harmonies, high-energy performances, and deep-rooted faith. Based out of Orem, Utah, they bring a fresh, youthful sound that uplifts and inspires the rising generation. Their mission is simple—to bring people together through the fire of faith in Christ, creating an experience where music isn’t just heard, but felt deep in the soul. They strive to deliver an unforgettable experience that celebrates faith, unity, and the power of song. With every performance, they bring passion, authenticity, and a deep love for God that connects with audiences of all backgrounds.
COMPETING GROUPS
Minor Adjustment
Seattle based co-ed a cappella group Minor Adjustment started in February 2018 from a humble google form and has grown into a staple of the Seattle a cappella community. Members come from a variety of vocal backgrounds and share a common love of singing. Catch them at various concerts in the area, or reach out for a private event!
Puget Sound Company
Puget Sound Company is a 9-member vocal ensemble founded in Seattle in October 2018. We specialize in unaccompanied musical performance, using only our voices to cover popular artists from The Beatles to Fleetwood Mac to Dua Lipa and more.
Quayside Voices
Quayside Voices is a Canadian vocal band that performs with a true passion for a cappella. Stephanie, Troy, Danjel, Elyse and Aerhyn are the quintet. In their 10th season, their shows are elevated with movement to captivate audiences.
They are musicians in residence at Braid Street Studios and are the 2024 recipients for the Best Original Arrangement and Best Original Song at the Pacific Northwest Harmony Sweepstakes.
With a true belief that A Cappella is for everyone, Quayside honours this principle with continued connection and collaboration, whether it be through community events, local schools, or partnering with other groups.
Sorella
Sorella is the contemporary vocal ensemble of Seattle Girls Choir. Directed by Lauren Kastanas, the high-school ensemble performs in pop, folk, and contemporary styles, with a focus on independent ensemble singing. Seattle Girls Choir, under the leadership of Artistic Director Sarra S. Doyle, is a community that provides young singers with a high-quality music education and a place to belong. Founded in 1982, Seattle Girls Choir provides a comprehensive and progressive choral education with an emphasis on vocal technique, musical literacy, and ensemble performance. The organization provides six sequential levels of instruction for choristers in kindergarten through high school, and training choir for beginners, and the contemporary vocal ensemble Sorella.
Stage Appropriate
If Broadway and a cappella had a baby with a big, bright smile and jazz hands, it would be Stage Appropriate. Founded in 2022, this group of friends has performed at such prestigious locations as the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, Expedia conference rooms, and their friend Betsy s flower garden. From belting Broadway ballads to harmonizing Disney tunes, they bring the magic of the stage to every note they sing. Whether you’re a fan of the classics like ‘The Sound of Music’ or you can’t get enough of ‘Into the Woods,’ they’ve got a song (and a smile) for you.
The Pillage People
Like a tidal wave crashing against an unsuspecting shore, The Pillage People be here t’ raid once more in the bountiful waters of The Harmony Sweepstakes! We takes no prisoners, because then we’d have to feed them. Cap’n Ramsay and his pirate crew are ready to split yer sides once more (with laughter, not swords!). The booty we be lustin’ for tonight is the elusive Audience Favorite award. If we can’t actually steal yer gold, we hopes instead t’ win yer vote! This be truly one of our favorite shows t’ raid, because ye makes us feel so welcome. Yar!
Verdant
Verdant is an award-winning professional a cappella group located in Eugene, Oregon. Established in 2016, our name is inspired by the lush greens of our home state. From our 2nd place win at Harmony Sweepstakes 2022, to creating our recent EP Daybreak, we imbue everything we do with our unique style and flair. Together we shape dynamic, compelling arrangements of songs from a variety of genres, including Top-40, indie pop, classic rock, and more.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Grantors: Inspire Olympia, ArtsFund
Graphic Design: Jill Carter Design
Microphones: Spiritborne Productions
Photography: Shawna Paxton Photography
Audio Engineer: Kirsten Johnson
VOLUNTEER CREW
Director: Victoria Montrose
Stage Manager: Julie Moffat
Assistant Stage Managers: Elicia Schopfer, Hannah Kahler-Klein
Judge Coordinator: Holly Negovan
Stage Crew: Vicki Hohner, Jessica Barnes, Sara Tips
Timers: Sheryl Jackson, Nicole Jackson
Photography: Ana Martin
Runner/Clean Up Coordinator: Anne Swan
Voting Coordinators: Mary Dussol, Lynn Nielsen, Lisa Genuit, Joan Lankford
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