Best of a cappella singers come together for Vocal Edge concert

A cappella fans are in for a treat as this year’s Vocal Edge, a concert by The A Cappella Society,  will be produced by Deke Sharon (pictured right), the man best known for producing and arranging numbers for the American TV show The Sing Off.

Though cancelled in 2011, The Sing Off put a cappella singing in the spotlight with an American Idol-style competition, and featured singers Sara Bareilles, Ben Folds (Ben Folds Five) and Shawn Stockman (Boyz II Men) as judges.

And now the spirit of the show has been brought to Singapore with Sharon and another music veteran Clement Chow joining forces for Vocal Edge which will be held on May 26 at Joyden Hall Illuma.

The local songwriter wrote the dangerously catchy national song Count On Me Singapore and also serves as a vocal coach on the children’s talent program Okto Star.

The performers who’ve received their direction are a cappella stars in the own rights. All are involved in their own singing groups. Names include Grace Por who first discovered her passion in university and chemical engineer by day/singer by night Earl Stanley Lazo.

Others are also involved in singing in other ways like Zalina Lee, who’s preparing for the Kuala Lumpur staging of The Wizard of Oz, and Angelina Choo, who teaches music for a living.

Audiences can expect remixes of popular songs like Lady Gaga's Telephone and Adele's Rolling in the Deep, Glee-style, all thanks to Deke, whom they’re excited to work with.

He’s definitely considered a rock star in their genre -- having performed with Ray Charles, James Brown and toured around the world with his group The House Jacks. As Grace puts it, “It’s Deke Sharon, you guys. DEKE SHARON. ‘Nuff said.”

And if you’re in an a cappella group of your own, then sign up for the masterclass on May 25 at Singapore Polytechnic. Headed by Deke, you’ll get lots of tips on vocal, arranging and performing techniques so this is definitely an opportunity you can’t miss.

Vocal Edge is on May 26, 2012 at 3.30pm and 7.30pm at Joyden Hall, Illuma. Tickets priced from $25 to $30 at www.a-cappella.org.sg/events/vocal-edge. The masterclass is on May 25, 6.30 to 8.30pm at LT7A Singapore Polytechnic. Tickets priced at $500 per group. Log on to www.a-cappella.org.sg/ for more.