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Mankato a cappella group lands gig with Celebrity Cruises
| by Amanda Dyslin (Free Press Staff Writer) |
Mankato - A cruise along the Alaskan coast line would be an ideal vacation for many.
There's the beauty of the surroundings, the relaxation of coasting along the open sea and all the amenities that
come aboard a giant luxury ship.
Mankato a cappella group Home Free will be off Sunday on that very vacation aboard Celebrity Cruises' biggest
ship, the Infinity. Except they get paid to be there, they get to perform in front of 2,000 passengers five times a
week, and they get to stay for four months while all the other passengers depart weekly.
Yeah, the guys couldn't have asked for a better job. While surfing the Internet, one of them say an ad for live
entertainment needed for Celebrity Cruises, and they decided to pursue it.
All it took was one audition video, and they had earned their biggest gig in the six-year history of the band.
"We sing five hours a week total," said tenor Chris Rupp. "The rest of the day is ours."
This is a big deal for Home Free, made up of 20-somethings Rupp, high tenor Matt Atwood, bass Joe Fine, vocal
percussionist Adam Rupp and brand-new member Jeff Grider, who sang with The Xtension Cords at the
University of Illinois and just got into town about a week ago. Grider of Champaign, Ill., will be taking Atwood's
place on the cruise while he acts this summer in "Les Miserables" at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.
They scoured the country to find a replacement who had young, fresh energy but also distinguished vocal skills.
Through a long and convoluted string of connections, they found Grider, who was a perfect fit with their sound
and image.
Before now their largest audience was about 800 people. So they're excited at the thought of being heard by
about 32,000 people by the time their four-month stint is over.
The potential exposure is so great they decided to throw down a lot of money in a hurry to put together a
full-length CD, "From the Top," which they'll release Thursday at Bandana Brewery. The CD contains their usual
unique arrangements of original and cover songs, including Eric Clapton's "Change the World," Simon and
Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "God Bless the U.S.A."
Their sound, they say, is more of a vocal band. Don't think traditional barbershop a cappella. The singers mimic
the sounds of actual instruments, which takes precision and a lot of practice.
The unofficial beginning to the group was as early as high school, when the Rupps and Atwood sang together.
They later came together more officialy in college and added a couple of members.
Why a cappella when many of their peers were opting for garage rock bands?
"Well, I can't play guitar," Atwood joked.
And a cappella is more of a challenge. The guys have to rely on each other's voices rather than instruments to
provide a base to their music. If one guy is off, they all are.
At first they felt pressure on stage to some how make a cappella and harmonizing seem cool to kids their own
age. Now they're more relaxed about it. There's a niche and an audience for a cappella just as there is for rock
music.
During an impromptu performance outside a Mankato coffee shop recently, they guys received applause by one
passer-by and an inquiry about performing at another man's church. So they don't worry too much about finding
gigs, which mostly consist of high schools around the state and local colleges, parties and charity events.
"We tend to have to say no a lot," Chris Rupp said.
But there was no way they were saying no to Celebrity Cruises, even if it did mean putting their lives on hold for
four months to head out to sea. For free room and board and $500 a week each, their families and friends will
have to be without them for a little while.
There's the beauty of the surroundings, the relaxation of coasting along the open sea and all the amenities that
come aboard a giant luxury ship.
Mankato a cappella group Home Free will be off Sunday on that very vacation aboard Celebrity Cruises' biggest
ship, the Infinity. Except they get paid to be there, they get to perform in front of 2,000 passengers five times a
week, and they get to stay for four months while all the other passengers depart weekly.
Yeah, the guys couldn't have asked for a better job. While surfing the Internet, one of them say an ad for live
entertainment needed for Celebrity Cruises, and they decided to pursue it.
All it took was one audition video, and they had earned their biggest gig in the six-year history of the band.
"We sing five hours a week total," said tenor Chris Rupp. "The rest of the day is ours."
This is a big deal for Home Free, made up of 20-somethings Rupp, high tenor Matt Atwood, bass Joe Fine, vocal
percussionist Adam Rupp and brand-new member Jeff Grider, who sang with The Xtension Cords at the
University of Illinois and just got into town about a week ago. Grider of Champaign, Ill., will be taking Atwood's
place on the cruise while he acts this summer in "Les Miserables" at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.
They scoured the country to find a replacement who had young, fresh energy but also distinguished vocal skills.
Through a long and convoluted string of connections, they found Grider, who was a perfect fit with their sound
and image.
Before now their largest audience was about 800 people. So they're excited at the thought of being heard by
about 32,000 people by the time their four-month stint is over.
The potential exposure is so great they decided to throw down a lot of money in a hurry to put together a
full-length CD, "From the Top," which they'll release Thursday at Bandana Brewery. The CD contains their usual
unique arrangements of original and cover songs, including Eric Clapton's "Change the World," Simon and
Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "God Bless the U.S.A."
Their sound, they say, is more of a vocal band. Don't think traditional barbershop a cappella. The singers mimic
the sounds of actual instruments, which takes precision and a lot of practice.
The unofficial beginning to the group was as early as high school, when the Rupps and Atwood sang together.
They later came together more officialy in college and added a couple of members.
Why a cappella when many of their peers were opting for garage rock bands?
"Well, I can't play guitar," Atwood joked.
And a cappella is more of a challenge. The guys have to rely on each other's voices rather than instruments to
provide a base to their music. If one guy is off, they all are.
At first they felt pressure on stage to some how make a cappella and harmonizing seem cool to kids their own
age. Now they're more relaxed about it. There's a niche and an audience for a cappella just as there is for rock
music.
During an impromptu performance outside a Mankato coffee shop recently, they guys received applause by one
passer-by and an inquiry about performing at another man's church. So they don't worry too much about finding
gigs, which mostly consist of high schools around the state and local colleges, parties and charity events.
"We tend to have to say no a lot," Chris Rupp said.
But there was no way they were saying no to Celebrity Cruises, even if it did mean putting their lives on hold for
four months to head out to sea. For free room and board and $500 a week each, their families and friends will
have to be without them for a little while.
HUTCHINSON HIGH SCHOOL TO HOST SPECIAL CONCERT
| Hutchinson Leader Newspaper |
Hutchinson students are raising money for the high school vocal music program with a special concert.
The show will feature selected high school vocal ensembles. These students are the opening acts for the
event's headliner, Home Free A capella, a musical group from Mankato. The five men who make up the group
sing pop songs, unacompanied, with their own vocal percussionist.
The concert takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, May 1, in the Hutchinson High School auditorium, 1200 Roberts Road
S.W. Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults.
Earlier in the day, Home Free A capella will also conduct workshops for three of the high school choirs and an
assembly program for the middle school and Park Elementary.
The show will feature selected high school vocal ensembles. These students are the opening acts for the
event's headliner, Home Free A capella, a musical group from Mankato. The five men who make up the group
sing pop songs, unacompanied, with their own vocal percussionist.
The concert takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, May 1, in the Hutchinson High School auditorium, 1200 Roberts Road
S.W. Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults.
Earlier in the day, Home Free A capella will also conduct workshops for three of the high school choirs and an
assembly program for the middle school and Park Elementary.
HOME FREE RELEASES LATEST CD/DVD AT VENUS LOUNGE
| Applauze Magazine's High Note Concert Series by Michael Lagerquist |
An extraordinary five part male all vocal group, Home Free, that has been performing professionally in the
Mankato area for the last several years will be having a CD/DVD release as part of our High Note Series for April.
The show will be taking place on Friday, April 15th at Venus Lounge in Mankato. The album, tentatively titled
"Home Free Live in Concert" will be available for purchase the night of the 15th and the group will perform songs
from the recording.
On December 7th, Home Free coordinated a fairly extensive concert at Bethany Lutheran College. Bethany's
video department agreed to videotape the concert, using 4 cameras and a fair amount of student assistance in
the recording/editing of the DVD portion of the album. Composed of just the 5 members and zero instruments,
they cover everything from "Bridge Over Troubled Water" to "Saw Her Standing There" to "Play that Funky Music",
as well as original music. Home Free has four main vocalists, and the fifth member, Adam Rupp does all the
percussion using nothing but his mouth.
For more information on this acapella group, check them out directly at www.thehomefreegroup.com and don't
forget to check them out on April 15th at the Venus Lounge in Mankato.
Mankato area for the last several years will be having a CD/DVD release as part of our High Note Series for April.
The show will be taking place on Friday, April 15th at Venus Lounge in Mankato. The album, tentatively titled
"Home Free Live in Concert" will be available for purchase the night of the 15th and the group will perform songs
from the recording.
On December 7th, Home Free coordinated a fairly extensive concert at Bethany Lutheran College. Bethany's
video department agreed to videotape the concert, using 4 cameras and a fair amount of student assistance in
the recording/editing of the DVD portion of the album. Composed of just the 5 members and zero instruments,
they cover everything from "Bridge Over Troubled Water" to "Saw Her Standing There" to "Play that Funky Music",
as well as original music. Home Free has four main vocalists, and the fifth member, Adam Rupp does all the
percussion using nothing but his mouth.
For more information on this acapella group, check them out directly at www.thehomefreegroup.com and don't
forget to check them out on April 15th at the Venus Lounge in Mankato.
MUSICAL COMEDY: A Cappella Group Home Free's Live Shows Are a Distinct Mix of Skilled Musical
Performance and Comedic Improvisation
Performance and Comedic Improvisation
| The Reporter's Variety Cover Story by Mike Hanzelka |
It takes a talented group of musicians to perform sophisticated original music along with inventive covers of
common songs like "Saw Her Standing There," "God Bless the USA," "Brown Eyed Girl," and even the
"Ducktales" theme song. But it takes even more talent (and guts) to do these songs completely a cappella.
One of the most distinct and refreshing acts in southern Minnesota, Home Free - whose members are Chris
Rupp, Matt Atwood, Joe Kent, Joe Fine, and Adam Rupp - has been spreading the gospel of a cappella through
their vibrant, comedy-oriented performances.
The combination of the former and current MSU / Gustavus students' vocal talents with an unpredictable
performance has brought much critical acclaim and fan response.
"We're very improv oriented, which would explain our unpredictable performances," said Atwood.
This was apparent in the group's performance at Bethany Lutheran College last December (which was recorded
on DVD and CD and is now on sale). The audience stared in amazement as the quintet performed originals
such as "Life is Easier" and "Won't Breathe a Word."
The Audience members also went wild during their hilarious "Songs that didn't make the cut" routine, which
included such "classics" as "Song that Doesn't End," "I am Woman," "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)" and a
nearly perfect rendition of the memorable theme to "Ducktales."
Although they are a big success now, the group's original incarnation was a talent show act that began in 2000.
"It started out as just a hobby we wanted to do," said Chris Rupp.
But after a successful first performance, they decided to take their music further.
In 2001, the group adopted a more distinct sound when member Adam Rupp (brother of Chris) decided to add
his vocal percussion talents to the mix. A far cry from your typical human beat-box performers, Rupp brings a
more accurate and entertaining sound.
"He wows the audience every performance, especially in his solos," said (Chris) Rupp.
Although the group has several musical influences such as a cappella groups like GLAD and Rockapella, they
try to keep their performances as original as possible.
"[Rockapella] is so established and respected that all their performances need [to consist of] is just music," said
Atwood. "We've been integrating a lot more comedy in our performances."
After a year-long hiatus in 2002, the group returned and is now gaining more popularity than ever.
"We've inversted a lot more into this...with the ultimate goal of going into this fulltime," said Rupp.
Future performances from Home Free will include a Relay for Life public concert May 21st as well as a July
performance at North Mankato's FUNDAYS Celebration.
CDs and DVDs of their Bethany performance are on sale at www.thehomefreegroup.com
common songs like "Saw Her Standing There," "God Bless the USA," "Brown Eyed Girl," and even the
"Ducktales" theme song. But it takes even more talent (and guts) to do these songs completely a cappella.
One of the most distinct and refreshing acts in southern Minnesota, Home Free - whose members are Chris
Rupp, Matt Atwood, Joe Kent, Joe Fine, and Adam Rupp - has been spreading the gospel of a cappella through
their vibrant, comedy-oriented performances.
The combination of the former and current MSU / Gustavus students' vocal talents with an unpredictable
performance has brought much critical acclaim and fan response.
"We're very improv oriented, which would explain our unpredictable performances," said Atwood.
This was apparent in the group's performance at Bethany Lutheran College last December (which was recorded
on DVD and CD and is now on sale). The audience stared in amazement as the quintet performed originals
such as "Life is Easier" and "Won't Breathe a Word."
The Audience members also went wild during their hilarious "Songs that didn't make the cut" routine, which
included such "classics" as "Song that Doesn't End," "I am Woman," "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)" and a
nearly perfect rendition of the memorable theme to "Ducktales."
Although they are a big success now, the group's original incarnation was a talent show act that began in 2000.
"It started out as just a hobby we wanted to do," said Chris Rupp.
But after a successful first performance, they decided to take their music further.
In 2001, the group adopted a more distinct sound when member Adam Rupp (brother of Chris) decided to add
his vocal percussion talents to the mix. A far cry from your typical human beat-box performers, Rupp brings a
more accurate and entertaining sound.
"He wows the audience every performance, especially in his solos," said (Chris) Rupp.
Although the group has several musical influences such as a cappella groups like GLAD and Rockapella, they
try to keep their performances as original as possible.
"[Rockapella] is so established and respected that all their performances need [to consist of] is just music," said
Atwood. "We've been integrating a lot more comedy in our performances."
After a year-long hiatus in 2002, the group returned and is now gaining more popularity than ever.
"We've inversted a lot more into this...with the ultimate goal of going into this fulltime," said Rupp.
Future performances from Home Free will include a Relay for Life public concert May 21st as well as a July
performance at North Mankato's FUNDAYS Celebration.
CDs and DVDs of their Bethany performance are on sale at www.thehomefreegroup.com
ALBUM REVIEW: Mankato A Cappella Group Impresses!
| Applauze Magazine's Critics Corner by Jed Highum |
A nice change of pace of my normal music listening habits was found when I popped in a Mankato-based
acapella group's latest album - Home Free's Live in Concert. While I will outright admit I am certainly not a fan of
the genre, I can't deny I found myself tapping my foot, feeling that unspoken groove, and even getting a good
laugh in here and there with the variety of song choices this talented set of gents decided to use.
Recorded last December 7th at Bethany Lutheran College, Home Free mixes a combination of original tracks
and quality covers on the album, recorded in front of a live audience. In terms of covers, there is everything from
the Beatles' Saw Her Standing There to God Bless the USA, (very well done by the way) to such oddities as I Am
Woman (there is something hilarious about five guys singing this) and the theme to the old Disney cartoon
Ducktales. The latter track had me rolling in laughter, yet still impressed at how they put a unique twist on a
highly unexpected cover. Hearing women in the crowd going gaga when they started singing it was also pretty
funny.
The group has a unique energy and inate charisma I've never seen from an acapella group before and probably
never will. To find out more about them or pick up the CD, check out www.thehomefreegroup.com and don't miss
their 4th annual concert at Hosanna Lutheran Church on Oct. 23rd. A DVD version of the concert is also available.
acapella group's latest album - Home Free's Live in Concert. While I will outright admit I am certainly not a fan of
the genre, I can't deny I found myself tapping my foot, feeling that unspoken groove, and even getting a good
laugh in here and there with the variety of song choices this talented set of gents decided to use.
Recorded last December 7th at Bethany Lutheran College, Home Free mixes a combination of original tracks
and quality covers on the album, recorded in front of a live audience. In terms of covers, there is everything from
the Beatles' Saw Her Standing There to God Bless the USA, (very well done by the way) to such oddities as I Am
Woman (there is something hilarious about five guys singing this) and the theme to the old Disney cartoon
Ducktales. The latter track had me rolling in laughter, yet still impressed at how they put a unique twist on a
highly unexpected cover. Hearing women in the crowd going gaga when they started singing it was also pretty
funny.
The group has a unique energy and inate charisma I've never seen from an acapella group before and probably
never will. To find out more about them or pick up the CD, check out www.thehomefreegroup.com and don't miss
their 4th annual concert at Hosanna Lutheran Church on Oct. 23rd. A DVD version of the concert is also available.
RECOMMENDATION FOR “HOME FREE A CAPPELLA”
HUTCHINSON HIGH SCHOOL
I had the pleasure of having the group “Home Free A cappella” come and work with my students on May 1, 2006.
They came to all of my choir rehearsals (including 8:00 AM!!) and presented a workshop. They had a great
repoire with my students and used humor while they sang and talked and answered questions.
Between my choir rehearsals, they agreed to sing for our elementary and middle school students, all for the
same low fee. (I have paid a higher fee for other a cappella singing groups to come and sing a concert and not
work with my choirs; Home Free was a much more educational experience for less money!!)
The evening concert went very well, and we raised over one thousand dollars for our music program. We were
able to feature some of our HS groups as an “opener” for the concert. These young men had great energy,
outstanding vocals, and a great stage presence. They were also very polite and easy to work with. This was a
great experience for us.
Sincerely,
JAMES NELSON
HUTCHINSON HIGH SCHOOL
VOCAL MUSIC DIRECTOR
HUTCHINSON HIGH SCHOOL
I had the pleasure of having the group “Home Free A cappella” come and work with my students on May 1, 2006.
They came to all of my choir rehearsals (including 8:00 AM!!) and presented a workshop. They had a great
repoire with my students and used humor while they sang and talked and answered questions.
Between my choir rehearsals, they agreed to sing for our elementary and middle school students, all for the
same low fee. (I have paid a higher fee for other a cappella singing groups to come and sing a concert and not
work with my choirs; Home Free was a much more educational experience for less money!!)
The evening concert went very well, and we raised over one thousand dollars for our music program. We were
able to feature some of our HS groups as an “opener” for the concert. These young men had great energy,
outstanding vocals, and a great stage presence. They were also very polite and easy to work with. This was a
great experience for us.
Sincerely,
JAMES NELSON
HUTCHINSON HIGH SCHOOL
VOCAL MUSIC DIRECTOR
JUNE 6, 2006
FEBRUARY 25, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
Upbeat and Energetic! Beautiful Harmony! Entertaining! Family Quality Show! A Cappella at its Finest! Original!
These are just a few words that come to mind when I think of the talented young men in the group HOME FREE.
I have had the opportunity to hire HOME FREE for several corporate functions. The talented group of artists are
professional, courteous and extremely entertaining. The feedback is always positive and I get numerous
requests to have them come back and perform. The Mankato area is blessed to have the quality of
entertainment provided by HOME FREE in our community.
I look forward to working with them again in the future.
Sincerely,
Bobbi J. Nawrocki
Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic
Upbeat and Energetic! Beautiful Harmony! Entertaining! Family Quality Show! A Cappella at its Finest! Original!
These are just a few words that come to mind when I think of the talented young men in the group HOME FREE.
I have had the opportunity to hire HOME FREE for several corporate functions. The talented group of artists are
professional, courteous and extremely entertaining. The feedback is always positive and I get numerous
requests to have them come back and perform. The Mankato area is blessed to have the quality of
entertainment provided by HOME FREE in our community.
I look forward to working with them again in the future.
Sincerely,
Bobbi J. Nawrocki
Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic
JUNE 8, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm writing to convey my highest regards for the group HOME FREE. They have performed for the residents and
guests of Old Main Village Retirement Community on several special occasions.
The first time they performed for our monthly birthday party, the residents gave them a standing ovation! I've been
the activity coordinator at Old Main Village for 10 years and although they have expressed their enjoyment of the
various performances we've had, I have never seen them give a performance a standing ovation before.
They were astounded by the amazing talent, tenacity, energy, and passion of this group of fine young men. You
can't help but get caught up in the music and artistry of this group when they perform. They leave you wanting
more when they have completed their performance.
This group would be a wonderful addition to any special event! They love what they do and it shows in the quality
and excellence of their performances. I would highly recommend this outstanding group to anyone.
Sincerely,
Rica Giersdorf
Old Main Village
I'm writing to convey my highest regards for the group HOME FREE. They have performed for the residents and
guests of Old Main Village Retirement Community on several special occasions.
The first time they performed for our monthly birthday party, the residents gave them a standing ovation! I've been
the activity coordinator at Old Main Village for 10 years and although they have expressed their enjoyment of the
various performances we've had, I have never seen them give a performance a standing ovation before.
They were astounded by the amazing talent, tenacity, energy, and passion of this group of fine young men. You
can't help but get caught up in the music and artistry of this group when they perform. They leave you wanting
more when they have completed their performance.
This group would be a wonderful addition to any special event! They love what they do and it shows in the quality
and excellence of their performances. I would highly recommend this outstanding group to anyone.
Sincerely,
Rica Giersdorf
Old Main Village