Press Kit
Hi Resolution Photo
(900 x 695 ~1.5MB)
Audio Demo
17th Avenue Allstars A Cappella Audio Demo (~5 minutes)
17th Avenue Allstars Audio Demo
Video Demo
17th Avenue Allstars A Cappella Video Demo (~5 minutes)
Song List (A Cappella)
50s & 60s
- Glory of Love – The Five Keys
- My True Story – The Jive Five
- Trickle Trickle – The Videos
- I Wonder Why – Dion and the Belmonts
- Remember Then – The Earls
- Blue Moon – The Marcels
- I Only Have Eyes for You – The Flamingos
- In the Still of the Night – The Five Satins
- Come and Go with Me – Del Vikings
- Book of Love – The Monotones
- Sh-Boom – The Chords
- Rama Lama Ding Dong – The Earls
- 16 Tons – Tennessee Ernie Ford
- The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens
- Lonely Teardrops – Jackie Wilson
- Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley
- Good Vibrations – Beach Boy
- Four Seasons Medley
70s
- Sly and the Family Stone Medley – Sylvester Stewart
- I Wish – Stevie Wonder
- Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross
80s
- Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
- All Night Long – Lionel Ritchie
- Working in the Coal Mine – Devo
- Something About You – level42
- Footloose Medley – Kenny Loggins
- Kyrie Elason – Mr. Mister
- Love Shack – B-52s
- You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon
90s and Beyond
- Walkin’ in Memphis – Marc Cohn
- And much more…
Song List (with Band)
- Four Seasons Medley
- All Night Long – Lionel Ritchie
- Let’s Groove Tonight – Earth Wind and Fire
- I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
- September – Earth Wind and Fire
- Very Superstitious – Stevie Wonder
- Mustang Sally – Otis Redding
- At Last – Etta James
- My Girl – Temptations
- Play that Funky Music White Boy – Wild Cherry
- Old Time Rock & Roll – Bob Seger
- Jump Jive & Wail – Brian Seltzer
- Blue Moon – Swing & droop version
- Get Ready – Temptations
- Celebration – Kool and the Gang
- Brick House – Commadores
- Respect – Aretha Franklin
- Signed Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder
- Rainy Night in Georgia – Brooke Benton
- Honkey Tonk Women – Rolling Stones
- Johnny B. Good – Chuck Berry
- Shining Star – Earth Wind and Fire
- Can’t Help Myself – Temptations
- Since I Fell For You – Lenny Welsh
- Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
- The Joker – Steve Miller
- Love Train – The O’Jays
- Heaven – Los Lonely Boys
- Whip It – Dazz Band
- Best Friends Girl – The Cars
- Something About You – level42
- Smooth – Santana
- Living La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
- Soul Man, Knock on Wood, I Feel Good – Blues Brothers Medley
- Proud Mary – Tina Turner
- Mercy Mercy Me – Marvin Gaye
- A Little Less Conversation (Remix) – Elvis
History
Through Changes in Personnel, Musical Tastes and Regular Venues, The 17th Avenue Allstars Continue to Deliver a One-of-a-Kind Performance
Founded in Denver in 1988, The 17th Avenue Allstars have become a lasting favorite through brilliant live performances, critically acclaimed CD releases and national appearances
DENVER, Colo. – Oct. 16, 2000 – Thinking back to the group’s humble beginnings, Norm Silver still fondly remembers standing around a jukebox in Denver’s original Acappella’s Restaurant more than 17 years ago. “The restaurant was almost more of a lunch counter in its early days,” recalled Silver. “But the owner loved a cappella and would have various groups come in sing. But the stage and microphones that many Denver music fans remember came later. Our first gigs at Acappella’s were simply standing by a jukebox and singing a lot of do-wop music.”
Acappella’s Restaurant was on Denver’s 17th Avenue, and Silver’s assembled a group of singers were former members of some of the other groups singing around the Acappella’s jukebox. Since he felt he had assembled some of the best voices available, he dubbed his new group The 17th Avenue Allstars, the name that today’s line-up still carries.
The original Allstars – Norm Silver singing bass, tenor Robert Anderson and baritones Jake Schroeder and Jeffrey Harris – quickly became one of the most popular acts at Acappella’s Restaurant, which had been expanded to include a bar and stage to highlight the music. Unlike the early days, the group didn’t just focus on doo wop and street-corner music from the early days of rock and roll, but expanded their sound to include a wide variety of music. Early fans of the group could expect to hear hits from artists ranging from The Police to Elvis Presley in a single set.
Their popularity in Denver led to the release of their first CD, Talkin’ Acappella. Not only did this first effort feature many covers and crowd favorites, but Jeffrey Harris began to emerge as the original voice of the group by penning a number of Allstars original songs. On Talkin’ Acappella, the Allstars featured a special guest – former Miss Colorado LaTanya Hall – on two of the cuts. The chemistry worked, and the group added member number five when Hall became the first female member of the Allstars in 1990.
As their popularity grew, The 17th Avenue Allstars began work on their second CD release, Simplicity. Taking the title from an original Jeffrey Harris song, the CD firmly established the Allstars as a leaders in the emerging national a cappella scene. With Robert Johnson replacing Schroeder (who became the front man for popular Denver-based group Opie Gone Bad), the group took top honors at the National Harmony Sweepstakes in San Francisco. Not a bad follow up to their second Regional Harmony Sweepstakes championship and honors for Best Original Song (Johnny, penned by Harris), Best Cover Song and Best Soloist (Schroeder) from The Contemporary Acappella Newsletter Recording Awards.
Clearly, the Allstars were at the top of their game. But changes were coming, and they would require the band to restructure their personnel and overcome adversity just to survive. LaTanya Hall left the group to pursue a career in New York’s musical theater, where she has performed in several lead roles and continues to be a star both on and off the Great White Way. But perhaps most devastating was the untimely death of Jeffrey Harris, who succumbed to a severe asthma attack in his Denver home.
“That was certainly a very difficult time for the group,” said Silver. “While all of us were pleased for members that move on to successful careers, Jeffrey’s death was a complete shock and affected each of us both personally and professionally.” Determined to keep the group together, Silver and the other members filled the gaps with new personnel.
Today’s version of the Allstars include:
Norm Silver, the last original member and the group’s bass singer. Silver is also an actor and professional voice talent.
Tim Rosendo, home from the east coast and his stint with touring “boy band”, Graffiti Tribe.
Barry Brown, who was an original cast member of the long running musical review at the Denver Center, “Up on the Roof” written in part by Norm Silver and arranged by Robert Anderson.
Richard Steighner, Denver native and founder of numerous award winning groups.
Robert Shammas, former Music Director of the Denver mainstay cover band, The Nacho Men.
The group is current working on it’s sixth recording coming off the success of #5 Doo Wop Gold with has been nominated for Doo Wop recording of the year by the Contemporary Acappella Recording Awards.
“In many ways, we’re a cover band,” said Norm Silver, who sings bass for the Allstars. “When people hear the word ‘a cappella,’ they often think of specific musical styles, like barbershop or doo wop. Rather than focusing on a specific kind of music, we’re established a talented cover band using only voices.”
Throughout their 20+ year history, the 17th Avenue Allstars have performed music from nearly every era of American pop, and today’s Allstars continue that tradition. A typical show will take the audience from songs like “Love Shack” by the B-52’s to “16 Tons,” made famous over 50 years ago by “Tennessee” Ernie Ford. The new CD features five of Denver’s most talented vocalists. Silver continues to hold down the bass lines as he has since the Allstars’ original performances in the late 1980s at Denver’s Acappella’s restaurant (located on 17th Avenue at Humboldt, the inspiration for the group’s name). Barry Brown leads and sings baritone for the group and Tim Rosendo delivers the soulful tenor lines. High tenor Bob Shammus and baritone Richard Steighner round out the harmonies while Richard triples on vocal drums with a complete array of percussion sounds – all performed vocally!
About the 17th Avenue Allstars
The Denver-based 17th Avenue Allstars have been at the forefront of contemporary a cappella music since its inception in 1988. The group is a three-time winner of the Regional Harmony Sweepstakes held each year in Denver, Colorado and has also taken top honors in the National Harmony Sweepstakes, held in San Francisco. These talented vocalists thrill audiences nationwide with soulful renditions of songs from nearly every era of American pop music.
The 17th Avenue Allstars have been featured in national media, including CBS-TV, and performed for President Bill Clinton.
Quotable Quotes
With wonderful arrangements and minimal but effective choreography, it is not surprising to hear that the Denver-based ensemble was proclaimed “best a cappella group” in the nation by the National Harmony Sweepstakes, the “Super Bowl” of a cappella contests.
Joel Hacklich, assistant professor of music and the music department head at Imperial Valley College.
If you want to bring in one of the most professional, powerful and classy a cappella acts in the business, hire the 17th Avenue Allstars!
Live Oak Music Festival, Duane Inglish, Entertainment Coordinator, San Luis Obispo, CA
The group is very professional and displays quality musicianship. They are able to adapt to any type of situation and adjust their presentation to the various audiences. The Allstars cross all age ranges with a very diverse and popular repertoire. They are always willing to provide community outreach and do it with energy and excitement that translates to audiences. They have a warmth that they bring to their music that is very embracing. Audiences are very responsive to them. The Allstars are a cultural resource that is very valuable and they continue to be the very best of that genre, winning awards and accolades in the region as well as nationally.
Arvada Center, Kathy Kuehn, Performing Arts Director
Thank you and all the 17th Avenue Allstars for a great season. We all appreciated the commitment that you made to the Denver Broncos and look forward to working with you again soon.
Teresa Shear – Director of Game Day Entertainment.
This is the group that we bring back often; they have become a part of our community. Their appeal to our audiences crosses all ages and backgrounds. Everyone loves to sing along to their music.
Tracey Breckenridge – Recreation Coordinator – City of Thornton
“The All-Stars are all-time winners with any audience.”
Susan Martin – Lakewood Heritage Center, Lakewood, CO.
“We love having you… You always bring in twice as many people as the other acts.”
Terri Calvan – City of Lafayette
“Awesome, awesome show…..the client was so thrilled!! I just wanted to thank you guys for doing such a great job.”
Lindsay Rouch – Event Design, Boulder Colorado
“The 17th Ave. All-Stars have always been a great addition to our special event programming in Westminster. They are very popular, well-received and enjoyed by the community and we always look forward to having them back again!”
Jon Williams – Recreation Specialist City of Westminster, CO.
“As always it was a pleasure working with you. Your group’s entertainment put smiles on the faces of the community. Thanks so much for your professionalism. I will be calling you soon.”
Helen Rodriguez – Special Events, City of Brighton, CO.
“The music was exactly what we needed in every way. I heard nothing but raves about the group. I really appreciate the flexibility and the ease with which the Allstars move between venues. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I will use them again and again.”
Beverly O’Brien – the Cable Center, Denver Colorado
“These guys are great!”
William Jefferson Clinton – 42nd President of the United States
Band Biography (short)
The 17th Avenue Allstars have been recognized as one of the bright stars of contemporary a cappella and one Colorado’s best loved musical acts. Whether they are performing their award winning Pop Music Show, Dance Party or Doo Wop Show at a family concert, large scale music festival or corporate party, one thing is for sure, the Allstars will go the distance to create a completely entertaining and astounding musical experience for their audience!
Band Biography (long)
The 17th Avenue Allstars are three time Western Regional A Cappella Winners and achieved top honors in 1993 as National A Cappella Champions at the Harmony Sweepstakes, the “super bowl” of a cappella competition. The group’s soulful renditions of popular music cover a wide variety of musical styles and span five decades of hits.
Add a hot rhythm section and you have The Allstars Dance Band Show, for great harmonies and a dance party to remember with tunes that include: 40’s Swing, 50’s Rock and Roll, 60’s and 70’s R&B and 80’s and 90’s Pop.
Also available- all a cappella 50’s Doo Wop Show! Listen to great doo wop favorites. Perfect for your 50’s theme party, this show will bring back fond memories and create new ones. The wonderful humor, arrangements and choreography will make ‘em “Stay, just a little bit longer!”
Meet the Band
Barry Brown – Baritone
Barry enjoys seeing people have a great time at shows. He performed in the first a cappella musical, “Up On The Roof” (written by the All-Stars). Barry helps Lost and Found Inc. in their work with “throw-away kids.” He broke a Guinness World Record, raising money and awareness for the treatment these kids need, and is planning another World Record with the All-Stars and the National Anthem, to raise funds for these kids!
“14,000 Colorado kids are depending on us. Lost and Found Inc. provides for these kids in very special and successful ways. Learn more, and consider helping me help these kids. Call me for a tour!” lostandfoundinc.org
Tia Marlier – Alto
Tia Marlier joins the Allstars bringing with her loads of talent, good looks (we need all we can get) and experience to the job. Tia is no stranger to the Denver a cappella scene having worked in “Dirty Blondes” and “Charm School Dropouts” for many years. She got her start in amusement park musical reviews at venues such as Cedar Point in Ohio and Denver’s Elitch Gardens, and also spent 13 years as a vocalist for Moment’s Notice Entertainment. Tia works as a professional voice over artist, on camera actor and spokesperson, and also teaches voice over at the Denver Center Theatre Academy. She was heard for many years as an announcer on KCFR National Public Radio and has been seen on HGTV hosting the show, “Dream Drives” and the “Historic Homes” series. Visit her website at: tiamarlier.com
Tim Rosendo – Tenor
Tim Rosendo brings his high tenor stylings and Latin flair to the Allstars. He began his musical career at the tender age of nine- singing in his local church choir. He went on to lend his voice to the popular Denver-based contemporary a cappella ensemble, Graffiti Tribe. As a lead vocalist in Tribe, he traveled on tour singing at the Grand Ole Opry, The Jerry Lewis Telethon, and the 2001 Orange Bowl. He’s found his home with the Allstars- his entrancing style can be heard on Doo Wop Gold. When Tim isn’t on stage, he can be found songwriting and arranging in English and Spanish.
Norm Silver – Bass
When not singing bass for the Allstars, Norm Silver works as a professional actor, and has co-starred on television in: The Perry Mason Series, Father Dowling Mysteries, and Diagnosis Murder. He was also featured in the network mini-series Asteroid. Norm’s distinctive voice can be heard representing numerous regional and national clients such as: McDonald’s, Metro Ford, The Denver Post and Burger King. Norm has recently added auctioneering to his skill set and is one of Denver’s most highly recommended film and commercial acting coaches and can be contacted at:
Richard Steighner – Vocal Percussion
The unique talents and aspirations of Richard Steighner are matched only by his down-to-earth passion for music. With fervor and energy, he approaches every musical opportunity with a spirit that Allstar audiences have come to love. His refreshing presence on stage stems from aspirations of becoming a lead guitarist. After a few years on stage and some studio time, the winds changed his course away from instruments. His versatile voice and astounding mimicry of virtually any sound proved useful for a cappella, and he’s seized every opportunity that came his way, winning local and national awards and gaining nation-wide recognition as one of the brightest young talents in a cappella.
Bob Shammas – Tenor
Bob is the former Music Director of the Denver mainstay cover band, The Nacho Men.
He now directs the choir at his church and sings the high parts that normal people shouldn’t be able to sing! His personality on stage is unforgettable and you’ll find him styling some of the biggest songs of the last 50 years.
His voice fits well with the old-school Little Richard style and during the 50s Doo Wop show, you can even catch Bob playing bass.
3 Shows
Spellings (and misspellings) of A Cappella
a cappella (correct); acappella (sorta correct), acapela (…), a capella/capela/cappela (it works but…)
Pop Music
The Allstars take the hits from the 60’s to today and presents them in a totally original and exciting a cappella format. Close your eyes and you’d never believe it’s all voices. The best part–our setup time is short: no drums, no guitars, just mics, speakers and subs, and even lights. That means more time for your own setup!
Dance Band
Here, we bring in the rhythm section to add to our five exceptional vocalists so you can keep the party going with dancing to a great variety band. If you want to go all-out all night, we bring the whole crew!
Doo-Wop
The Allstars present their most popular production, the Doo-Wop show. We’ll take you back to the good old days with 50’s Doo Wop hits in an entertaining and energetic stage presentation.
All the shows can be customized to fit your event!
Primary Contact
Norm Silver
303-688-7538 office
303-660-6156 fax
303-810-7852 mobile
PO Box 1002
Castle Rock, Colorado 80104
