The Choice Entertainers A Cappella Group from San Diego, CA

The Choice Entertainers are an eight man acapella vocal group performing songs from the 60's, 70, 80's and 90's, which includes all genres. We, The Choice Entertainers, as we are eloquently called, began our trek toward stardom in late May of 2009, when Mr. Calvin Manson's vision of resurrecting a musical tribute to the pioneers of the Doo Wop, Pop, Rock and Roll and Rhythm and Blues (R&B) era was actualized in a play written and directed by Mr. Manson entitled Looking for an Echo, with a sub-title of forty years and we still ain't got no Band. Nine African American men were assembled by two of San Diego's notable vocalist Mr. Roosevelt Carter and Mr. Aaron Holland to handpick musical vocalist for the stage production of Looking for an Echo, a musical retreat to the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80' and presenting the Doo Wop Street Corner genre` of those periods. These talented, yet seasoned men embodied a plethora of vocal experiences that characterized in excess of fifty years of performing experience collectively. Although astutely depicted as seasoned performers, the group member's chronological age ranges from 49 to 65 years of age individually. During our time prior to "Looking for an Echo" the members, paying meticulous attention to vocal performance, fashioned and honed our skills in a variety of settings, but most predominately in the Church. We, without a doubt owe our success to the God we so graciously serve, for without Him nothing is possible. Our reverent being is further personified by us never entering or ending our rehearsals or performance presentations without undertaking and invoking upon a word of prayer. We are Christians first and foremost! Affectionately known as The Choice Entertainers, the group chose the name because of the dialogue derived from the play. Moreover, our melodious and smooth sound, coupled with the diverse harmonies we exhibit and present in our performance sets us a cut above just being another vocal group. For us, like our eminent predecessors of Accapella (The Persuasions) have mastered the complexities of vocal presentation without music; as a matter of fact "after forty-plus years we still ain't got no Band." Despite, not possessing a formal Discography to date, we have created our niche and portrayal of a unique model of Doo Wop presentation in the San Diego Metropolis. Consequently, our distinctive style and magical blend of harmonies and lead singers earned us the San Diego Critics Choice Award for best summer Special Event; special guest appearance at the San Diego Patte` Awards Ceremony; performed before a sold out audience at the Lyceum Theatre on two occasions; specials guest artist at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Fundraiser with Cuba Gooding, Sr. and the Main Ingredient; special guest artist at the San Diego Repertory Theatre Annual Fundraiser and Christmas Gala; scheduled opening act for The famed Temptations in September 2010; and current King Stahlman commercial. And when there were ten; The Choice Entertainer's members include Rodger Varner (bass), Roosevelt Carter (lead/second tenor, baritone, & bass), Aaron Holland (baritone/lead), Eric Overstreet (lead, tenor, & baritone), Herb Sims (tenor/lead), Gary Martin (tenor/lead), Carl Overstreet (baritone/lead), Ahmad Rashada (baritone) and Art Boyd (tenor/baritone). In December 2010, the group welcomed revered gospel vocalist Rodney Hutsona (tenor, baritone & lead) an extremely talented and gifted singer, and who is considered one of San Diego's finest male vocalists. Rodney quickly emerged as a first-rate singer whose vocal skills blended immediately in combination with the group's harmonies. Most importantly, he provided a strong sense of camaraderie. In January of 2010, Gary departed the group to pursue other interest and in later in the year Eric Overstreet departed the group. "And now there are eight" however, despite the personnel losses the group has never wavered and arguably still displays incredibly versatile harmonies and the lead vocals that tend to be our trademark. In a time period when audiences are expressing a definite affinity and yearning to hear "Old School and Doo Wop", We, the Choice Entertainers have accepted the challenge to distinguish ourselves by providing and modeling the high-level and quality music of the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties periods, which we preferably refer to as "The Genesis of all our music" The Choice Entertainers take pride in our ability to provide professionalism and crowd-pleasing performances. Our dedication and commitment to kids, seniors and the public at large personifies our love of humankind. Our determination, talent, and ability to sing a variety of musical genres make us special, "We Love What We Do!"