2nd Annual Sing! Toronto Vocal Arts Festival

This past weekend was the 2nd Annual Sing! Toronto Vocal Arts Festival.

Last year was the inaugural year (for Eh440 and the festival) and we didn't participate because we were still getting our ducks in a row. But this year, with ducks fully aligned we performed on Saturday night at a show honouring Frank Busseri of the Four Lads.

We had a lot of fun and shared the stage with so many great acts ~ Retro Ramblers, cast members from the musical Forever Plaid, Countermeasure, Denzal Sinclaire, Freeplay Duo, & The Watch. And of course, the guest of honour joined us on stage for the big finale number!

The night before, Luke & Jo3 checked out Snowday from Washington, DC and The Real Group from Sweden. As different as they are, there were some commonalities: both acts sang really well and were very funny (with their American and Swedish accents, respectively, in tow).

Thanks to those who came to see the show, and to Aaron Jensen, JM Eriendson, Pat Silver, and the rest of the SING! team for bringing us to the festival! Hope to do it all again next year!

Sara Bareilles, The Sing-Off, & Socks

The ladies of Eh440 had their socks rocked off at the Sara Bareilles concert in Toronto this week. Aside from being a phenomenal vocalist and songwriter, Sara showed off her incredible warmth, wit, and humour the entire night.

A true entertainer and just a 'real' artist, she kept the audience captivated from the moment she stepped foot onstage to the moment she sang her last note.

For those who are unfamiliar, Sara is a multi-Grammy nominee and was one of the judges on the 3rd season of the NBC TV show, The Sing-Off (a reality show where acappella groups compete to win prize money and a Sony Music contract).

The Sing-Off recently announced that they were accepting auditions for their 4th Season.

Despite there never having been a non-American act on the show, and the fact that Sara isn't going to be a judge this year, we're submitting an audition tape anyway!

Maybe we can be the first Canadian acappella group to appear on the show! Maybe Sara will read this blog and put in a good word for us with her ol' pals at NBC? Hello...Sara? Are you there? :)

Ok, we gotta run and find Janet & Stacey their socks.

Keep in touch.