After months of auditions, performances, and voting, the public narrowed 2020 A Cappella & Unplugged to three finalists–Blaine Phebus, Dominik Wiesniewski, and Gabriele Stone. 2020 A Cappella & Unplugged Finals are set for 7 PM on Friday, August 7. It is First Friday in downtown Chambersburg, and the performances are in front of the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center.
The public can enjoy performances in person or online through the Facebook Live Event. Those attending in person can cast a paper ballot. Virtual attendees can visit Facebook.com/FCVBen to like the favorite performer. New this year, comments about performers in the Facebook Live feed will tabulate a vote for the mentioned performer. The voting window is 30 minutes and opens at 7 PM. Check out the talent and help select the 2020 winner of A Cappella & Unplugged. The performer with the most votes wins the $500 prize and is the 2020 champion.
Franklin County Visitors Bureau extends special thanks to the 2020 Round One performers–Ace Johnson, Blaine Phebus, Gabriele Stone, Holly Gouse, Jason Sheffield, Dominik Wiesniewski, Paul Saliga, Pyxus, Robert Twine, and The Mimic. It is not too late to enjoy their performances. Listen here.
Judges rated Round One performers on execution and skill, creativity and originality, and overall presence and appeal. The 2020 judges were Devin Fields, John Ingels, Heather McEndree, Woody Payne, Beth Thoresen, and Jack Swisher. After tabulating the results, there was a three-way tie for the Judges Choice award. The winners were Dominik Wiesniewski, Gabriele Stone, and The Mimic. Each will receive a $100 prize. The three-way tie was another “first” for the A Cappella & Unplugged competition.
The 2020 participants were gleaned from open mics at 11/30 Visitors Center during IceFest 2020 and The Thought Lot on March 10. Event organizer Franklin County Visitors Bureau will always remember 2020 A Cappella & Unplugged because of the impact of COVID, the adaptations made to hold the event, and the performers love of music as an outlet in difficult times.
For the August 7 Finals’ performance, FCVB is providing small groupings of socially distanced seating in front of the visitors center. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs, also. Please contact Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 717.552.2977 for special arrangements or email jpollard@explorefranklincountypa.com.