Backtrack Vocals, the a cappella sensation, comes to Dickinson State University

DICKINSON, N.D. - Professional a cappella group, Backtrack Vocals, is set to perform at the Dorothy Stickney Auditorium at Dickinson State University on Mar. 5. The performance is part of the Dickinson Area Concert Association's 2022-23 season.

Backtrack Vocals began its musical journey with a YouTube channel, where their fresh sound transformed familiar pop, funk, Motown, standards and Broadway songs with all-new vocal and beatbox arrangements. Their unique music videos have garnered millions of fans worldwide.

The evening's program will include vocal medleys from the Temptations, songs from Mary Poppins, I'll Be There-Lean On Me Medley, music from The Greatest Showman, Sweet Caroline and Walking on Sunshine.

Backtrack Vocals' outreach programs for young aspiring artists are an essential part of their mission. They offer school assemblies, workshops with choirs and clinics on topics such as beatboxing, group vocal improvisation and DIY music video production.

Backtrack Vocals has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. The group was the winner of New York's Got Talent Season 6 in 2019 and Steve Harvey's Sing Off in 2017. They were also named the Best Beatbox at the 2017 International Championship of A Cappella OPEN and received First Place and Best Arrangement at the Northeast Semi-final of the same competition. Backtrack Vocals also won First Place and Audience Favorite at the 2017 Aca-Challenge and emerged victorious in the YouTube Next Up competition in 2016.

Melissa Jordano is the managing member, singer, and songwriter of Backtrack. She developed an interest in a cappella while singing with the Octopodes at Johns Hopkins University, where she also began songwriting.

Mike Hinkle, a theater enthusiast, studied musical theater, drama, and vocal performance at Cab Calloway School of the Arts High School before joining NYU's APC Rhythm a cappella group.

Chrissy Aloisio, a New Jersey native, has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Delaware and worked professionally in musical theater and a cappella after graduation.

Craig Simonetti is the group's music director, chief arranger, and beatboxer, and he specializes in educating young a cappella performers.

Xander Teplansky, with a degree in Classical Music Performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has performed with renowned chamber ensembles and sang the National Anthem at sporting events.

Tickets to witness Backtrack Vocals live in action are available through the Dickinson Concert Association at 701-227-1673. The group promises a performance filled with heart, humor and musical brilliance.