This week’s Music Spotlight features a former A’Cappella Unplugged contestant: introducing Mr. Robert Twine!
A resident of beautiful and historic Mercersburg, or as he calls it “The Wild West”, Robert Twine is one incredibly versatile musician. Robert pulls influence from country classic legends like Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson, and also the great Ray Orbison. Twine also collects influence from popular sensations over the years like Frank Sinatra, Jack Johnson, the Eagles, Nine Inch Nails, Tupac, Billy Joel, and so many more. As a result, listeners can hear a plethora of artists and tunes spanning the decades! It is hard not to sing along.
After hearing Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”, Robert knew he wanted to dig into the world of music. Initially, Twine started with learning his way around the keys on a piano. Eventually, he became intrigued by the rhythmic nature of playing the drums, however, these instruments were ultimately eclipsed by the guitar. After picking up his first guitar, Robert came to the realization of it being much more appealing and portable. Eventually, he began employing the use of harmonica to accompany his playing.
When it comes to music, Robert Twine loves the art of creating a song and making it his own. For him, there is just something about the process of creating a song, a pattern, a progression, and then fitting words to what is created. It is like a puzzle built by sound. Through finding this love of writing songs and also added a creative touch to his covers, Twine decided to give it a purpose. He has created a business based upon playing music for the elderly throughout the community. Robert travels to nursing homes and assisted living facilities to play for those in need of a little music. This is the case now more than ever. Through his eyes, he sees the struggles our elderly community members face. He believes a little entertainment can help.
If you want to know more about Robert Twine, you can find him via his personal Facebook profile. You can also listen to some of his original work on YouTube by searching “Robert Twine”.
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.
Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites the public to view the semi-finalists of A Cappella & Unplugged 2019 on Facebook.com/FCVBen. Seven performers–Big Toe, Evan Crider, For F4ith, Kylie Young, Maple Taco, Marla Hart, and Robert Twine—are vying to be the 2019 A Cappella & Unplugged champion. Take a minute to view and like the most appealing performance. The three videos with the most likes are invited to perform in the 2019 A Cappella & Unplugged Finals on July 20 at 7 PM as part of the 1864 Weekend.
1864 Weekend, July 19 and July 20, remembers the Civil War history of Chambersburg, PA—which was ransomed by Confederate General John McCausland for $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in Yankee greenbacks. When the town could not pay the ransom, Chambersburg was burned. More than eleven blocks, a total of 550 structures, burned. Over 2000 residents were left homeless. Yet, the residents did not give up. They gathered themselves and rebuilt the town. Today, Chambersburg remains a prosperous community. Without such spirit and perseverance, Chambersburg would have passed into obscurity. A Cappella & Unplugged commemorates the spirit of these past residents.
A Cappella & Unplugged 2019 celebrates five years of amazing talent. Past winners of A Cappella & Unplugged are: 2015: “A World Apart” with Taylor Piper and Kristopher Potter of Mercersburg; 2016: Kate & Isaac, a duo from Waynesboro; 2017: Elly Cooke of Gettysburg; 2018: Alexus Lawson of Chambersburg. Join the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 7 PM on July 20 in downtown Chambersburg to see who will be the 2019 A Cappella & Unplugged winner.
