Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes

2025 Performing Groups
Flannel Folk

Flannel Folk

Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Flannel Folk is a contemporary acappella group based in Cedarburg, WI. Since its founding in 2018, Flannel Folk has gone on to become a household name in the greater Milwaukee area through their unique arrangements of fun and energetic music. Flannel Folk prides itself on singing many genres, including 80’s Rock, Modern Hits, Barbershop, and Originals. Flannel Folk’s impressive resume of performances includes the AHOU International Conference, Harley Davidson s 120th Anniversary Festival, the Wisconsin Center, Taste of Highland Park, the Bitter Jester Music Festival, and countless local venues. At the 2024 Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes, Flannel Folk won Best Original Song and Best Vocal Percussion.

Members: Edward Sherman, John Sherman, Robert Danner, Claudia Levens, Liv Miller

Gold 'n Blues

Gold 'n Blues

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Gold n Blues are Marquette University s first and premier Co-Ed A Cappella group. Based in Milwaukee, WI, GnB was founded in 2008 and entered the competitive scene in 2022. The group has competed in ICCA twice, and most recently Acapocalypse. This is their first time competing in Harmony Sweepstakes. The group consists of 19 undergraduate and graduate students, focused on creating intricate and breathtaking music while simultaneously establishing meaningful connections with each other and the entire A Cappella community.

Members: Charlie O Neill, McKinnley Marks, Abby Doria, Andrew McDonald, Jonah Zhungu, Tim Gnorski, Maggie Gnorski, Maddie Lee, Hailey Woerdeman, Ford McDonnell, Bea Cavour, Megan Kruse, Moira Sagon, Timmy Melfi, Max Creager-Roberts, Kane Undag, Bennett Chapman

Minor Mischief

Minor Mischief

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minor Mischief is a vibrant Twin Cities-based quintet who love bringing a cappella to all audiences! Between the five of us, we have over a decade of professional experience, and have performed all over the country. Although our roots are primarily in vocal jazz, we love to switch it up and sing a vast variety of genres. This is our third year performing in Chicago Harmony Sweeps and it has been our favorite event every year we’ve participated! We can’t wait to share our music with you all! 

Members: Anna Torgerson, Christina Case, Ricky Pierce, Nic Fairbanks, Luke Ericksen

NexDetour

NexDetour

Dayton, Ohio

Are there really only 3 people singing? YES! At times, you may even think you hear guitars and drums, but it is the versatile voices of Dayton based a cappella power trio, NexDetour. Jim, Ryan, and Scott have shared the stage with The Beach Boys and The Temptations. Their repertoire is a rock, pop, soul, and doo-wop tour though time that appeals to all ages. They have over 25 years experience weaving harmonies together and building fun, interactive, fully choreographed stage shows. Don’t miss NexDetour live! You won’t believe your ears.

Members: Jim Brown, Scott Dawson, Ryan Holway

The Peppermint Patties

The Peppermint Patties

Chicago, Illinois

Founded in 2018, The Patties met at DePaul University while pursuing degrees in vocal performance. They all have professional training in opera and musical theater and perform close-harmony vocal arrangements in Chicago and across the Midwest. Patties’ shows feature a wide variety of genres including songs made popular by the Andrews Sisters, jazz standards, golden age musical theater songs, a cappella, pop music and quirky covers.

Members: Anna Caldwell, Daina Fischer, Nikki Krzebiot, Laura Smalley

Vocalight

Vocalight

Dayton, Ohio

Vocalight is a 5 member a cappella group based out of Dayton, Ohio. All five members are former alumni of the High School A Cappella group, Forte. Vocalight started in 2017 and then broke up before coming back together in 2024 with 5 all new members and a completely updated sound. They look forward to continuing the legacy of the original group while also creating their very own brand new a cappella style. Vocalight won Second Place at the 2024 New York Harmony Sweepstakes.

Members: Natalie DiPietro, Cara DiPietro, Sydney Korpusik, Sammy Villalva, Joel Korpusik

Sonata Problem

Sonata Problem

Special Guest Hosts

Sonata Problem is a mixed competitive A Cappella group from North Central College in Naperville, IL. The group features students across different areas and collegiate grade levels. The group regularly competes at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) and performs throughout the year at various performances. Established in 2012, Sonata Problem has also released an EP called “Exposition”, performed on news stations, and recorded with Sleeping at Last. 

David Wilner

David Wilner

Master of Ceremonies, 1998 and 2005 Chicago Champion

David Wilner competed in the Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes with Blind Man’s Bluff and Fiveplay, winning First Place, Audience Favorite, and Best Original Song with each group. During his six years in Blind Man’s Bluff, David toured nationally and recorded five albums. He also spent seven years with the classic rock quartet Ac•Rock, recording two albums. Today, David emcees events throughout the Chicagoland area and performs in the band The Four C Notes. He has been the regional producer of the Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes since 2017.

Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes Champions

Vocalight

Vocalight

2025 Chicago Champions

Vocalight is a 5 member a cappella group based out of Dayton, Ohio. All five members are former alumni of the High School A Cappella group, Forte. Vocalight started in 2017 and then broke up before coming back together in 2024 with 5 all new members and a completely updated sound. They look forward to continuing the legacy of the original group while also creating their very own brand new a cappella style. Vocalight won Second Place at the 2024 New York Harmony Sweepstakes.

Members: Natalie DiPietro, Cara DiPietro, Sydney Korpusik, Sammy Villalva, Joel Korpusik

Remedy

Remedy

2024 Chicago Champions and 2024 National Champions

MEET THE 2024 HARMONY SWEEPSTAKES NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!  Remedy A Cappella is the University of Dayton’s premiere a cappella group. They are a co-ed ensemble that has found great success performing exciting arrangements of dark contemporary pop music. Since their founding in 2012, Remedy has built a history of competitive success, including their two-time victories at the Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes in 2015 and 2020, multiple-time ICCA regional championships, and numerous awards for individual performers. Remedy has also released an EP, “The Compilation,” on Spotify in the summer of 2021, featuring some of the group’s favorite arrangements. The group currently consists of nine members, all non-music majors, who dedicate their free time on campus to sharing their passion for music with each other and with audiences across the Midwest.

Members: Ariel Radinovic, Kate Proctor, Kate Tucker, Sarah Spaulding, Cedric Mwizerwa, Deven Cannon, Jeremy Page, Jack Lynch,  Evanson Good

Radius

Radius

2023 Chicago Champions and 2023 National Champions

MEET THE 2023 HARMONY SWEEPSTAKES NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!  Radius, a dynamic 5-piece vocal band, emerged from the virtual realm in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. What began as a digital collaboration evolved into a powerhouse live performance group based in the vibrant musical hub of Chicago. Distinguished by their mesmerizing harmonies and innovative arrangements, Radius specializes in high-energy pop music that’s sure get everyone up on their feet. Radius is now touring nationally, headlining performing arts venues and schools, and teaching master classes to educate the next generation of a cappella superstars.

Members: Gabe Schonman, Ben Boutell, Ethan Mooney, Dylan Melville, Sam Baker

Polarity

Polarity

2022 Chicago Champions

Polarity, Waverly High School’s premiere a cappella ensemble, is excited to return to the Harmony Sweepstakes family! Polarity meets after school twice a week to provide a quality a cappella experience to Waverly High School’s students. This highly competitive group performs in the community, at school events, private parties, and local competitions. Coming from all paths of the high school, Polarity instantly clicked. The group includes varsity athletes, theatre enthusiasts, honors students, marching band members, and active community members. Though pop a cappella has not gained popularity in southern Ohio, these students demonstrate their love and commitment to the art of making music! Hey, we’re just a bunch of small-town kids that like to sing! Members: Jayda Whitt, Sophie Thomas, Kaitlyn Miller, Jayden Steele, Grace Dickerson, Carson Kittaka, Carson Moore, Jack Pfeifer, Noah Clifton

Remedy

Remedy

2020 Chicago Champions

(Our 2024 Champions also won in 2020!)  Remedy A Cappella is a co-ed contemporary a cappella group from the University of Dayton. Our members consist of undergraduates from around Ohio, from Chicago, Pittsburgh, and even the Netherlands! From many walks of life and representing a variety of majors, we enjoy making music and spending time together. We strive to captivate and entertain our audiences with our performances. Remedy is also proud to be the 2019 ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal Champions. Members: Kim Tielemans, Alex Golzynski, Katie Breslin, Alexis Taylor, Kat Smith, Sarah Yelsik, Cameron Page, Andy Villasenor, Angelo Knight, Chris Hemsath.

Polarity

Polarity

2019 Chicago Champions

Our 2022 Champions also won in 2019!  Different line-up, equally incredible talent.  The 2019 group went on to take Third Place and Audience Favorite at the Harmony Sweepstakes National Finals!  Members: Camrin Craig, Fabiola Corwin, Mattie Elliott, Kayleah Shiland, Andrew Pfeifer, Jack Pfeifer, Noah Clifton.

Due North

Due North

2018 Chicago Champions

We are Due North. Hailing from the Twin Cities area, Due North is one of the Midwest’s newest a cappella ensembles. Founded in April 2017, the group’s name was inspired from Minnesota’s formally adopted French motto “L’Etoile du Nord” meaning “Star of the North”. Due North prides itself on being the perfect fit for any audience. Whether the setting is calm and mellow, or energized and wild; Due North will bring a refreshing taste to the music you know and love, while adding new songs to file away in your personal playlist. Available for weddings, corporate events, parties, fairs, national anthems; you name it! With a fresh outlook, immense passion, and a vibrant energy – there is only one direction to go – Due NorthMembers: Matt Laudenbach, Barry Bakunowicz, Kaynen Harris, Alissa Peanasky, Sam Bijou.
The Sound Exchange

The Sound Exchange

2017 Chicago Champions and 2017 National Champions

MEET THE 2017 HARMONY SWEEPSTAKES NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!  From soulful ballads, to blistering rock anthems, from jazz standards to chart-topping singles, The Sound Exchange does it all. Based out of the Twin Cities, this group brings dazzling harmonies and wisecracking audience interaction to every show and do it with joy and humor. Get ready for the hijinks and harmony of…The Sound Exchange. Members: Caleb Lee, Nick Bailey, Alicia Reneé, Eric Buegler, Paul Donnelly.