Behind The Mic envisions filming the Worldwide Christmas Special in Minnesota in the fall of 2025 for a December nationally televised broadcast with global distribution. The special will feature a celebrity emcee, Grammy-winning co-hosts, and nine international vocal ensembles.
Our mission of “fostering global harmony through vocal harmony” broadens the scope of entertainment and music education, emphasizing a collaboration of diverse artists in our global community.
Alvin Chea (Take 6) and Rosana Eckert (vocal
educator at the University of North Texas) has filmed endorsements of the holiday special and will co-host the production once financing is secured.
COVID pushed back the holiday project to 2025.
Our Global Artists
Over the past decade, we’ve filmed interviews with extraordinary vocal groups on Behind The Mic. The music video clips include artists we are considering for the 2025 Worldwide Christmas Special.
& Storytelling
Music
Picture blending music with storytelling in the introduction of each vocal ensemble. The emcee and co-hosts would converse with Sesame Street characters, emphasizing the values of joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control, and love.
By embodying these virtues, we can create a more harmonious world, particularly during Christmas, a time associated with goodwill and unity, exemplifying the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
Steve Hartman
a gifted journalist
We have yet to confirm the emcee as we prepare for the holiday production. Once corporate funding is finalized, we plan to reach out to CBS journalist Steve Hartman, known for his segment “On The Road.”
Mr. Hartman’s reputation for warmth, empathy, and genuine curiosity makes him an ideal candidate.
His approachable and kind demeanor would be the perfect fit for this global event.
Mr. Hartman’s association with CBS enhances the credibility and appeal of the holiday production and may also serve as a potential gateway to network support for the 2025 Worldwide Christmas Special. His involvement could significantly boost our reach and impact, creating a memorable experience for viewership worldwide.
Title Sponsorship
Title sponsorship provides crucial financial backing for the production, including hiring talent, licensing, securing filming locations, purchasing equipment, and ensuring the highest possible production values.
Because the 2025 Worldwide Christmas Special will be nationally televised and distributed to the countries of the participating artists, the title sponsor will receive global brand exposure throughout the holiday season. This exposure will enhance brand visibility among the nationally televised audience, increasing brand recognition and customer engagement.
“While we realize the corporate rationale to become the title sponsor of a holiday event is clear—encompassing Brand Alignment, Customer Engagement, Marketing and Visibility, Social Responsibility, Seasonal Promotions, and ROI—there’s a deeper layer to consider. In the cacophony of today’s society, we must seize the opportunity to pause, listen, and reflect.
Beyond the metrics and business success, the sponsorship fosters a sense of community, promotes values of kindness and generosity, and creates lasting memories that resonate throughout the spirit of the season. It’s more than just business; it’s about making a meaningful impact on people’s lives and contributing to a more connected and compassionate world.”
Audience Data, AI, Analytics
It is noteworthy that Governor Walz recently signed Minnesota’s film and tax credit. According to a YouGov survey, 65% of Americans say they tune in to holiday programming. Such support bolsters the state's economy, amplifies voices from diverse backgrounds, and provides a way for music and storytelling to take a global stage.
Because the production will also be distributed to the countries of the global artists, we are pitching “title sponsorship” for the holiday special to a sole global corporation.
7th ELEMENT
Florida
7th Element is a talented ensemble of six Christian men from Orlando, Florida. Their mission centers around ministering to others through music, touching hearts with a positive message. The group is comprised of Darren, Garth, Curt, and Kevin, the Greene Brothers, Marc Dwyer, and David “Dee” Glover.
Together, they create soul-stirring melodies that resonate with audiences worldwide. Their unique mixture of harmonies draws universal appeal, and their mission extends beyond the stage—to inspire and mentor young musicians in the a cappella tradition.
ACCENT
Sweden, France, England, Canada, USA
Accent is an international jazz a cappella group that has carved out its niche in the world of a cappella singing. The six accomplished singers include Jean-Baptiste (“JB”), Craipeau (France), Simon Åkesson (Sweden), Danny Fong (Canada), Andrew Kesler (Canada), James Rose (England), and Evan Sanders (USA).
Their love for intricate vocal arrangements led to their collaboration in 2011. Since then, they’ve released five albums, performed across Europe, North America, and Asia, and sold out Christmas shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
AFRO BLUE
Howard University, Washington D.C.
Afro Blue is a dynamic vocal jazz ensemble from Howard University. Formed by Connaitre Miller in the spring of 2002, their music draws inspiration from styles like Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross, and Take 6.
Afro Blue continues to maintain a standard of excellence year after year. Their latest album honors the legacy of Donny Hathaway with a swingin’ a cappella version of his classic song “This Christmas.” The use of instrumental riffs, walking bass lines, and vocal improvisations adds a unique twist to this favorite holiday classic
THE BLENDERS
Minneapolis MN
The Blenders began their journey in the early 1990s, touring extensively across colleges and universities. Their talent and dedication earned them the Contemporary Artist of the Year award in 1994 and 1995 by the National Association for Campus Activities. In 1997, they signed with Universal Records and released their album "Loveland".
Over the years, The Blenders have become a staple in the a cappella community, especially known for their holiday concerts. Their harmonious sound and engaging performances have made them a favorite among fans. In 2015, they were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, a testament to their impact on the music scene.
BUSINESS CASUAL
San Francisco CA
Business Casual is an award-winning contemporary a cappella group based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Founded in 2012, the group consists of five talented vocalists: Leslie Baker, Jacob Chamoun, Cassie Greene, Roshun Alur, and Michael Wang.
Business Casual is known for its unique genre-swapped arrangements of popular songs, blending, jazz, and other elements of pop fresh and exciting covers. The group has won several accolades, including the National Harmony Sweepstakes Championship 2018.
Their music is inspired by artists like Postmodern Jukebox and Scary Pockets, who have delighted audiences with their smart covers.
CLUB FOR FIVE
Helsinki, Finland
Club For Five is a renowned a cappella group from Finland, formed in Helsinki in 2000. The group consists of five talented vocalists: Maija Sariola (soprano), Saima Haapanen (alto), Jouni Kannisto (tenor), Juha Viitala (baritone), and Tuukka Haapaniemi (bass).
They are celebrated for their diverse musical repertoire, spanning genres such as jazz, pop, rock, folk, and classical. Club For Five has released nine albums, five of which have achieved gold in Finland. Their captivating performances have earned them domestic and international acclaim, with tours across Europe, North America, and Asia.
The linked musical selection “Tulkoon Joulu,” Finnish for “Let Christmas Come.”
JAZZAPPELLA
Bucharest, Romania
JAZZAPPELLA is a Romanian a cappella jazz sextet formed in Bucharest in late 2010. The group has a contemporary jazz repertoire consisting mainly of jazz standards and original compositions.
Still, it also looks into various other directions, such as pop hits, chansonnette, or cartoon soundtracks. Since its formation, JZP has performed throughout Romania in jazz festivals, theatres, and clubs and has been enthusiastically acclaimed as THE young, groundbreaking a cappella jazz group of Romania. JZP delights audiences with its exciting and distinctive sound, introducing the world of vocal music and vocal jazz improvisation to an emerging local market.
JOYFUL 6
Kerala, India
Joyful 6 is a group of six siblings from India known for their incredible musical talent. The group consists of Jessica, Jeziah, Jesse, Joshua, Joanna, and Johan, born to Shegin and Smitha.
Their musical gifts spread the message of God, faith, and the value of life. Joyful 6’s YouTube performance of "Star of the World,” written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, has 698,000 views and counting. Watch their rendition by clicking on the YouTube link below.
They gained popularity through their YouTube channel, where they share their performances, including other covers of “Mary Did You Know” and “Carol of the Bells.”
MAYTREE
Seoul, South Korea
Maytree is a renowned South Korean a cappella group known for their innovative vocal performances and unique sound effects covers. Formed in 2000, the group consists of five talented members: Jang Sang-in (S.I.), Kang Soo-Kyung (Soo), Kwon Young-hoon (Hoony), Kim Won-jong, and Lim Su-yeon (Er!ka).
Maytree gained international recognition through their appearance on America’s Got Talent. Their creative YouTube videos cover sound effects from popular media, including Windows and iPhone sounds. Their viral videos have amassed millions of views, showcasing their ability to mimic complex sounds using only their voices.
THE NISKAS
Green Bay, Wisconsin
The Niskas are a dynamic musical duo of brothers, Terry and Kurt Niska. Their journey began in their teenage years when they sang together and developed a unique style that only siblings could share. Over the years, they have honed their craft, blending modern country and pop vocals with heartfelt performances.
The Niskas are known for their tight harmonies and ability to cover hits from present artists, bringing a modern twist to beloved classics. Their music resonates with audiences, capturing the essence of contemporary country and pop. But what truly sets them both past and apart is their deep connection to their roots, a connection that every note they sing, making their music a nostalgic journey.
SAMBARANDA
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sambaranda is a vibrant a cappella group hailing from São Paulo, Brazil. Known for their unique blend of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) and jazz, they bring a fresh and tropical flavor to the vocal jazz scene.
Their music is characterized by intricate vocal arrangements, often crafted by Rafael Carneiro, which showcase their ability to seamlessly merge traditional Brazilian rhythms with jazz harmonies. Sambaranda’s debut album, “Delírios Vol. 1,” released in 2017, received acclaim for its innovative approach and rich vocal textures.
Sambaranda continues to captivate audiences with its dynamic performances and dedication to pushing the boundaries of vocal music.
VOCAL PLAY
Orlando, Florida
VoicePlay is an a cappella group based in Orlando, Florida. Initially formed in 1997, the group evolved into a dynamic ensemble known for its unique and imaginative performances.
VoicePlay’s lineup includes Eddie Ardinian, Layne Stein, Geoff Castelluccio, and Elaine Carey. They gained national recognition after competing on Season 4 of NBC’s “The Sing-Off.” Their performances blend humor, creativity, and vocal prowess, turning the timeless sound of vocal music on its head. Whether performing original compositions or covers, VoicePlay captivates audiences worldwide with its signature sound and engaging stage presence.
VOX ARSANA
Ptuj, Slovenia
Sambaranda is a vibrant a cappella group hailing from São Paulo, Brazil. Known for their unique blend of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) and jazz, they bring a fresh and tropical flavor to the vocal jazz scene.
Their music is characterized by vocal arrangements, often crafted by Rafael Carneiro, which showcase their ability to seamlessly merge traditional Brazilian rhythms with jazz harmonies. Sambaranda’s debut album, “Delírios Vol. 1,” was released in 2017. Sambaranda continues to captivate audiences with its dynamic performances and dedication to pushing the boundaries of vocal music.
Alton Accola
(651) 335-5466 alton.accola@fivebydesign.com
Vitae
After a decade as a choral music educator, I transitioned to the role of artist representative for the Shakopee-based vocal quintet Five By Design. I had the privilege of booking the ensemble with numerous big bands and 132 symphony orchestras.
Notable orchestras included performances with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. In 2005, Five By Design’s 1940s musical retrospective, "Radio Days," which paid tribute to American veterans and commemorated the 50th anniversary of World War II, was highlighted in a Washington Post review.
In 2012, Five By Design embarked on an East Coast holiday tour with the Boston Pops. Additionally, they engaged with major orchestras in cities such as Milwaukee, Detroit, Rochester, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Naples, Nashville, Little Rock, New Orleans, Houston, Saint Louis, Denver, Phoenix, Spokane, San Diego, nearly every Canadian orchestra, and even an overseas performance at the Bosphorus Music Festival in Istanbul, Turkey.
Sadly, our 29 years of touring came to a close when our alto passed away from cancer, and our soprano’s father succumbed to COVID. We were more than just colleagues; we were family. Continuing without them would have fundamentally altered the unique spirit of the group.
Driven by my continued passion for vocal harmony, I launched "Behind The Mic." I’ve had the honor of filming interviews with hundreds of vocal groups, music editors, and industry specialists.
