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Tonic Sol-fa

A Cappella

Tonic Sol-fa
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Tonic Sol-fa is a ground-breaking a cappella ensemble from Minnesota in constant development since their formation two decades ago. TSF stands as one of the leading forces in the world of vocal music with Emmy Award winning arrangements and multi-million selling compositions.

>> Career Highlights

Tonic Sol-fa has established itself not only as the most in-demand vocal group in the Midwest, but also one of the most successful independent acts in America. In addition to substantial album sales of its own inde-pendent releases (2,000,000 copies sold), the group has toured extensively throughout the US and abroad, building their financial base with a steady list of festivals and private shows that eventually led to numerous sold-out tours of theaters and small arenas.

Tonic Sol-fa began at St. John's University in Central Minnesota and includes lead vocalist Shaun Johnson, tenor and vocal percussionist, Greg Bannwarth, baritone and percussionist/vocal percussionist, Theo Brown, and bass, Jared Dove. Together the group reached national prominence with appearances on NBC's Today Show and in Newsweek magazine. Along the way, they shared the stage with a number of recognizable performers including Jay Leno, Jeff Foxworthy and Weird Al Yankovic, and were recently inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame alongside Prince.

From the group's onset, the members have overseen and operated the business of Tonic Sol-fa with a only a small team of driven supporters acting as managers, lawyers, and publicists, and increased revenue from a few thousand dollars in their first year to a multi-million dollar limited liability company. The group overcame a number of obstacles, including an unspoken apprehension to a cappella acts by individuals in the music industry and having a name that was anything but catchy (a system of naming the notes of the scale, usually do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, developed to teach singing). Still, the group persevered, recording and manufacturing its own records and selling them to a growing legion of fans via the Internet and social networking sites, in the lobby of the theaters where they performed, and through a growing national distribution. One could say they gained their current consumer popularity the old-fashioned way; they earned it.

At present, Tonic Sol-fa is putting the finishing touches on an album of requested originals, a collaborative recording in a catalog of numerous award-winning DVD and CD projects highlighting four indelible voices. This outstanding blend has resulted in multiple Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards, NACA (National Association of Collegiate Activities) Entertainer of the Year nominations, considerable national press, and has landed their music on the best-selling seasonal DVD at Wal-Mart, The 12 Dogs of Christmas.

Further Tonic Sol-fa has released three television specials, which have aired over 1800 times in forty-seven states and Canada. The new PBS special will be shown through 2022, continuing to spread Tonic Sol-fa's unique sound to an ever-growing audience.

Tonic Sol-fa continues to tour, record, and conscientiously run their business in the only way familiar to them -differently.

>> Testimonials

“We have had Tonic Sol-fa perform for General Mills several times in front of a variety of audiences. The group is always entertaining, energetic and never fails to elicit positive feedback. Until you have heard them perform, you can’t believe the dynamic sound put forth by four voices. In addition, the group is highly professional and accommodating, and very easy to work with.”

–Trade Marketing Director, General Mills

“A vocal kaleidoscope…unique to the human voice.”

–New York Times

“Tonic Sol-fa’s performance is a perfect mix of great vocal arrangements and audience-focused fun. We love working with them!”

–Director of Presentations, Minnesota Orchestra / Orchestra Hall

“They are a dream to work with from a presenter standpoint. Lively fun show, rave audience reviews and easy to present…I would definitely book Tonic Sol-fa again!”

–Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

“Tonic Sol-fa was the feature entertainment for the ING National Conference and brought 700 home office and representatives to their feet. In today’s music scene, most people don’t regularly seek out a cappella, so Tonic Sol-fa’s style was a bright and refreshing surprise. The sounds were amazing – you’d swear there were instruments somewhere in the background. These boys are engaging, funny and energetic. Their sound was clean, fun and sometimes even emotional. Tonic Sol-fa sang for an hour, but we would have welcomed them for much longer. They are an excellent choice for anyone’s corporate event!”

–Director of Marketing, ING Financial Partners

>> Basic Set-Up Needs

The technical needs for this artist vary depending on the type of show and presentation space. Specific details can be discussed when contracting artist.

>> Sample Introduction

The following is a sample introduction you might use when introducing Tonic Sol-fa (pronounced: Tonic Soul-fa) to your audience:

“Tonight/today we present an Emmy Award-winning trio that has earned a reputation as America’s premiere vocal group.

Building a loyal fan base with sold-out national tours – and now seen widely on public television – please help me welcome Greg, Jared, Theo, and Shaun…Tonic Sol-fa!”

>> Pricing Information

Pricing for each act varies depending on a number of factors including: location of the event; popularity of the date; routing for each act; type of event; single or multiple day performances; length of show, etc. To get a specific and accurate quote for your event please contact our office by completing the form below or calling (612) 361-6002. We respond very quickly to answer all our clients' questions.

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