The judges were challenged by the well-qualified field of competitors, but made their choices of four award-winning individuals and three groups expeditiously and carefully. Judges Teri Willmarth (representing education interests), Brian Michaels from Fargo ND (representing CASA and media interests), Joseph DiMasi (representing Colorado professional a cappella groups) and the popular Reggie McDaniel (from the Colorado media and entertainment scene) were completely in agreement on the choices for award winners and presented the awards to individuals themselves from the stage. Show sponsors and community representatives presented the group awards, including officials from Flesher-Hinton Music Company, Frontier Airlines and the Colorado Vocal Jazz Society. The Audience Favorite award, by secret ballot of those present, was presented by CVJS president Allen Rogers. Winners in each category of the competition are listed below.
A special presentation, the new CVJS "A Cappella Impact Award" went to Denver area music educator Lois Petersen, who has been a leading advocate for contemporary a cappella in schools and a ready volunteer in support of CASA efforts.
Singers and audience members then adjourned to a celebratory Afterglow in a local restaurant, where the singing continued into the night. The most enthusiastic participant there was probably the 2006 Rocky Mountain Champion, quintet "Curious Gage" from Fort Collins, Colorado, who will represent our region at the National Harmony Sweepstakes Finals in San Raphael, California on May 6, 2006. Saturday night's audience and a cappellists from across the region wish them an enthusiastic "Go get 'em!"
2006 Rocky Mountain Harmony Sweepstakes Festival Awardees:
Deke Sharon Award for Best Original Arrangement:
"Come Together" (performed by Cool Shooz)
Dave Small, arranger
Jeffery Harris Award for Best Original Song:
"Yo Ma Ma" (performed by Ignition)
Denny Malone, composer
Jerry Lawson Award for Best Soloist:
Kevin Heinz (of Left on Spruce)
in "Come Around"
Wes Carroll award for Best Vocal Percussion:
Nic Widhalm (of Curious Gage)
CVJS Award for Best Stage Performance:
The Plumbers of Rome, Longmont, Colorado
Audience Favorite Award:
6 Guys Name Blake, Boulder, Colorado
Rocky Mountain Runner-Up Award:
Cool Shooz Denver, CO
Cool Shooz is an energetic group of guys with a passion for singing and vocal harmony. Appearing throughout Colorado for over a decade, Cool Shooz combines the talents of six professional musicians who bring diverse musical experiences together to explore new avenues of vocal expression.
Members: Dave Small, Chase Darnell, Jeff King, Marc Johnson, Dutch Miller and Tom Conner.
Rocky Mountain Championship Award:
Curious Gage Fort Collins, CO
Curious Gage has been a fixture in the contemporary a cappella scene for over three years. With performances across the state, this award-winning a cappella ensemble flawlessly captures the energy and intensity of today’s hottest Rock bands. Their unique blend of pop, jazz, Rock and soul unites in strikingly vibrant harmony.
Members: Nic Widhalm, Zach Tait, Phil Thompson, Tom Miles and Carleen Widhalm.
Mixed septet Stayin’ Outa Treble of Denver also competed Saturday evening.
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