Acappella musicians sometimes get a reputation for barbershop and doo-wop type tunes. ElmoTHUMM may dispel those preexisting notions when they bring their unique acappella THUMMstick to Depot Park July 8.
THUMMstick band member Greg Vaden described the instrument as ‘a dismembered tambourine affixed to a shovel handle,? and explained how the band pounds the stick into the ground producing a complicated set of rhythms.
‘The THUMMstick catches people’s attention and they recognize it. We do a lot of 1970’s rock that is a bit harder than most acappella and the thummstick adds to the rhythm. You have to see it to understand,? said Vaden.
Joining Vaden in elmoTHUMM, are Jason Miller, Adam Westmoreland, Ed Pendleton and Paul Ellinger. The current roster has been set for five years, but the band dates back to 1998.
This group of acappella veterans were selected to the Harmony Sweepstakes acappella Festival, Chicago National Semifinals in 1998, 1999 and 2000. They were also national finalists in the Lever ‘Singing in the Shower? contest.
ElmoTHUMM blends a unique style of classic rock and R & B, balanced with oldies to create a consistently quality show.
Vaden said the band’s original songs are received well and mixed with many favorites. Shows include a wide range of covers like ‘Runaround Sue,? ‘Brown Eyed Girl? or ‘Walking On Sunshine.?
According to Vaden, the band chose to release the first album live rather than from a studio so that listeners would get a true representation of what their performance sounds like.
‘Too many acappellas went to a studio album to get gigs. People who see them live are disappointed in the show. We have no prerecorded tracks. Everything in the show is live which makes it spontaneous,? said Vaden.
Onlookers can expect a mobile show with some audience participation.
‘We keep people involved. They will know the music and clap and sing along. We incorporate the audience and are completely mobile on stage with our wireless microphones,? said Vaden.