Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?”

That’s what millions of kids (and maybe you, too) wanted to know in 1991 when the geography quiz show for young people premiered on PBS. The vocal group and house band Rockapella introduced the show with a catchy theme song and provided musical clues and background vocals as contestants used those and other tips provided by Greg Lee, the head ACME Crime Net gumshoe, to track Carmen and her nefarious partners in crime around the world.

That’s how the contemporary a cappella group found national television fame—even though it has been around since the 1980s. Though none of the four original members are still with the group, Rockapella has evolved through the decades and now they’re bringing their unique style to Grand Junction courtesy of Community Concerts of the Grand Valley.

The group has inspired countless vocalists and brought contemporary a cappella music into the spotlight. The popularity of NBC's "Sing-off," the movie “Pitch Perfect,” and countless college groups attest to the resurgence of voice-only groups.

Chief songwriter and high tenor Scott Leonard previously sang in rock groups for Disney. His songwriting skills and ability to arrange songs for the group are essential to the sound. His goal in creating a dynamic sound is to “make it rock and make it interesting.”

Jeff Thacher is the human beatbox of the group. He provides the percussive sounds of drums and more using only his voice.

“There’s nothing between us and the audience—it’s very human music—with nothing missing,” Thacher said.

Tenors Calvin Jones and Mitchell Rains, along with bass singer Bryant Vance, round out the group as it performs original songs and puts a contemporary twist on Motown favorites, pop picks and soul songs. “Stand By Me” has been called the best version ever by fans. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” brings back memories of The Tokens’ 1961 hit.

You’ll find no mirrors, no hidden instruments and no backtracks at Rockapella’s performances.

“People have a hard time believing it’s just us making all of that music. It’s still those same elements that make modern band music: percussion, bass, melody and harmonies,” Leonard said.

Rockapella has often been imitated but never duplicated, according to the band’s press release.

See them live!

Rockapella

December 1 at 3 p.m

Grand Junction High School auditorium

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Season tickets to all performances in the 2019-2020 series are $80 for adults. Individual event tickets can be purchased for $25 for adults if seats are available. For more information visit www.communityconcertsgrandvalley.org or call 243-1979.

Win tickets from the BEACON!

If you could meet any musician, dead or alive, who would it be? Send us your answer, along with your name, email and phone number to [email protected] or BEACON Senior News, PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

Your name will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to see Rockapella at Grand Junction High School. Winners will be notified by November 20.