Billed as the ‘beatboxing percussionist’ for the a capella group “Six Appeal“, Andrew Berkowitz gives us peek behind the curtain ahead of their appearance at the Flagler Auditorium in Palm Coast this evening.
Performing for the likes of Lady Gaga and Quincy Jones, they were tapped to sing the National Anthem at the Sugar Bowl in 2013. They’ve even performed alongside musical greats like Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins.
Six Appeal isn’t your average a capella band, and Berkowitz, a beatboxer for nearly 20 years, who enjoys sharing his passion for the craft, tells us why they’re different.
“I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Berkowitz said in a 2019 interview with the Idaho State Journal. “When I started college I had a resident RA who was a beat-boxer as well and that’s where I found out about a capella and beat-boxing and the profession.”
Tell readers a bit about how the group got started.
Six Appeal started in 2006 at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN by members of The Concordia Choir. It started as a hobby of a few friends singing together outside of class, but quickly grew into an opportunity to gig around at local bars and restaurants, as well as schools in the area.
Six Appeal’s educational outreach – where we teach curious minds all about a cappella – is a huge part of our mission. In 2010, the group relocated to Minneapolis, MN and with new permanent members pursued touring as full-time professional work. We’ve since travelled to 49 of the 50 states, and around the world, performing for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
A capella became a global phenomenon with the Pitch Perfect series. What was the inspiration for members’ interest in such a unique style of performance?
A cappella has a lot of global roots that came before Pitch Perfect, and we love to share that history with people who are interested.
A few of our inspirational groups include Rockappella, Bobby McFerrin, The Real Group, Take 6, Manhattan Transfer, The Swingle Singers, The Blenders, The Nylons, and Voice Trek… just to name a few!
Pitch Perfect, and shows like Glee and The Sing-Off did a fabulous job bringing voices only music to mainstream audiences, and introducing us to contemporary a cappella in the 21st century.
We have local college groups that perform a capella. What is the most difficult music genre of a capella to perform, and does Six Appeal have a favorite genre?
Metal and Modern Atonal Classical music can get pretty tricky, but it all depends on the arrangement! Six Appeal loves Funk, Pop, and Rock!
What can audiences expect to hear Monday evening during the show at the Flagler Auditorium?
Eclectic vocal renditions of their favorite songs, followed by thunderous applause 😉
What advice would you give an aspiring singer about the industry?
Being business-minded is an invaluable skill. Be bold, but humble.
IF YOU GO: “SIX APPEAL”
WHEN: FEBRUARY 28, 2022 AT 7 PM
WHERE: FLAGLER AUDITORIUM 5500 HIGHWAY 100 PALM COAST, FL 32164
TICKETS: $29-$49 HERE
