FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Tickets Do I Need to Buy?
You can buy individual tickets (a la carte) to events. But attendees save big by purchasing a Full Weekend Pass.
Students at any age and Seniors age 65 and older can save even more by purchasing a Discount Weekend Pass.
If you plan to purchase 10 or more tickets at once, you can also save by purchasing the Discount Weekend Pass.
If you are a competitor in either ACA-Idol or the HS Competition, you must purchase a Weekend Pass or a ClassPass. Remember that a ClassPass will give you access to compete and access to all classes, but it won't give you access to see any of the concerts. Ticket terms are here. If you are coming from out of town, you may also need to book a hotel.
Saturday Night Has Two Evening Concerts. (7PM and 9:30PM) Are they Different from Each Other?
Yes! Each concert on Saturday is different from all the others, with different groups performing! Most attendees go to BOTH shows!
Will Sat and Sun Concerts Be Different from Each Other?
Yes! Except for a favorite song or two, groups that perform Saturday usually perform an entirely different set on Sunday.
Is Parking Free at SingStrong?
Yes! There is free parking at all SingStrong concerts and classes! Information about the location can be found here.
Is Parking Free at the Hotel?
Yes! The Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie, site of the afterglows, has free parking!
Is Transportation Free between the Hotel and the Concerts and Classes?
Yes! The Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie provides a free shuttle for guests!
Where Do Guests from Out-of-Town Stay?
Guests from out-of-town stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie. This is the site of all the afterglows. The hotel offers SingStrong attendees special low rates. The hotel has many amenities including free parking, and a free shuttle service to all SingStrong events.
What Airport Should Attendees Fly Into?
All attendees should fly into O'Hare Airport (ORD). The airport is 30-40 minutes from all SingStrong events.
My Group Wants to Perform as Much as Possible! What Performance Opportunities Are There for Us?
Whether your group is HS, collegiate, semi-pro or pro, there are more performance opportunities at SingStrong than any other contemporary a cappella festival! Check them out here and apply now!
Who Is Performing?
We get the hottest artists in a cappella! But our contracts sometimes prevent us from announcing them right away. So how can you tell what you're going to get? Look at our track record! SingStrong, announces its headline performers this winter, however past performers include Pentatonix, NOTA, Street Corner Symphony, Ten, MAXX Factor, Traces, Afro-Blue and The Vanderbilt Melodores from NBC's TV show, "The Sing-Off"; Grammy Winner, Ben Bram (with Level), American Idol's Blake Lewis, and Nate Tao (with The Funx); Ball in the House from America's Got Talent; viral youtube sensation and Austrian overtone singer, Anna-Maria Hefele; live-loopers, Julia Easterlin from Lollapalooza and Grace McLean; New York City's pop, twisted-broadway quartet, Blue Jupiter (feat. by Nickelodeon, NOKIA, College Humor, and OREO); Harmony Sweepstakes Champions Stiletta, GQ, Traces, Da Capo, Cartoon Johnny, Red No 5, Capri, Breath of Soul and others; Broadway Trio, Apollo Link; the haunting, Eastern European sounds of Slaveya and Zulal; renown overtone singer and Wynton Marsalis collaborator, Alex Glenfield; comedic a cappella legends, The BOBS; international touring acts, The Swingle Singers (England), The Essentials (Canada), The Glue (Switzerland), Fii (Austria), Vocaldente (Germany), VocalLine (Denmark), Ensamble Fenix (Venezuela) ONAIR (Germany) Voco Novo (Taiwan); The Alexandria Harmonizers, barbershop multi-medalists; beatboxers, Mandible (VocaPeople), Masai Electro (feat. on multiple national commercials), Ben Mirin (TED Talks), MC Beats (top ranked female beatboxer), Kaila Mulady (2015 World Champion Beatboxer and Beatrhymer), and dozens more! Count on SingStrong to continue its legacy of cutting-edge excellence. You won't be disappointed!
What Classes Are There?
Here is some information about classes generally and a look at the most recent schedule. This will give you a good idea of the kinds and numbers of classes we'll offer each year. The most important thing to know is that our classes are designed with the right amount of seating so you won't have to pre-register to see the classes you want!
What Food Options Are Available At SingStrong?
SingStrong offers snacks such as candy and sometimes fruit, along with sodas, water and fruit drinks. SingStrong also offers lunch foods like pizza or tex-mex. Restaurants of every type are nearby (see below).
What Food Options Are Located Within One Mile of SingStrong?
Coming soon!
What Food Options Are At or Near the Hotel?
The Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie features a Ruby Tuesday's accessible through the lobby. There is also a breakfast area available in the lobby each morning.
If Tickets Are Sold-Out, What Can I Do to Get In Anyway?
Thankfully, when tickets sell out there is a still a chance that you can get in. This is because there are almost always some last minute cancellations and no-shows. The best advice is for you to arrive about an hour prior to the show and let the Will-Call know that you would like to buy a ticket. They will put you on a waiting list and you'll be first to get in when we get a cancellation.
How Do I Perform in ACA-IDOL?
Follow these instructions to apply.
How Do I Perform in the HS Competition?
Follow these instructions to apply.
My Group Would Like a Free Coaching. How Do We Apply?
Follow these instructions to apply.
I Want to Sing on the MainStage, but My Group Can't Come. Is There a Group I Can Join?
Yes! You can apply to join SingStrong's open group, the Single Singers.
If I Attend the 7PM Saturday Show, Can I Save My Seat or Leave My Belongings for the 9:30PM Show?
Because this would not be fair to those who attend the 9:30PM show, we do not allow saving seats or leaving belongings between shows. (Premium Tickets may be an exception in some areas.)
I Purchased a Weekend Pass, But I Can't Attend All of the Shows. Can I Get a Refund?
No. Weekend Passes are a lot like an all-you-can eat buffet. They allow YOU and you ALONE to enjoy as much as you want. But there aren't any discounts for "food you didn't eat" and you can't pass your "all you can eat" status on to anyone else.
I'm in High School. Are There Any Events That I Can't Attend?
You can attend all classes, seminars and concerts. But, the Afterglow parties aren't appropriate for unaccompanied or unsupervised high school students. Afterglows take place in a bar-like restaurant setting. SingStrong therefore recommends that no high school students attend. School or SingStrong personnel do not supervise this event. The Hotel/restaurant alone controls the event.
Can I Record Concerts or Classes?
The rules regarding recording are located in the ticket terms. Generally, the answer is no. But even when the answer is yes, you assign all rights, including copyright to SingStrong. We do this to protect our artists and our cause!
Is It Ok to Arrive Late for Classes?
Yes. Please try to enter without disrupting the class.
Is It OK to Arrive Late for Concerts?
It is risky to arrive late for concerts. If your seat is still available when you arrive, we may reseat you. However, SingStrong is a charity-oriented event. If a weekend pass holder/ticketholder does not show up for a concert in a timely manner, then, in accordance with the ticket terms, SingStrong may resell that seat to someone on the waiting list. This allows SingStrong to both keep our ticket prices low and to raise funds for charity. Thankfully, due to our free, convenient parking, our attendees almost never arrive late, so this hasn't yet presented a problem. But we wanted to give you fair warning. Also, SingStrong personnel may require you to wait until an appropriate moment where your entry will not be disruptive before allowing you late entry to a concert.
How Does Seating Work at Concerts?
SingStrong uses stadium seating for almost all seats. This allows you and your friends to buy tickets separately and still sit together. Doors usually open about 30 minutes prior to concerts.
Where Do I Get My Tickets?
When you enter the SingStrong event site, you will immediately see an area noted as Will-Call. Your tickets and/or passes will be waiting for you here under the name used to purchase the tickets or the name provided to our ticket seller at the time of purchase. You may also see a separate area, near Will-Call, for performers or competitors where their tickets are held separately.
How Does the Silent Auction Work?
100% of the money we raise at auction goes to the fight against Alzheimer's Disease! Throughout the weekend, we will display various items and services. You may enter a bid on any of these at any time before bidding closes on Saturday night at around 9PM. Make sure we have your contact information in case you win! After our Saturday 7pm show ends, and before our 9:30 show begins, we will close the bidding. At this time, bidding often becomes more intense. We will do a count down to indicate the closing of bidding. Most bidders attend the 9:30 show where we announce winners. We will also announce winners on our website. Please pick up your items by the end of the festival on Sunday!
How Does SingStrong Support Charitable Causes?
Here at SingStrong Chicago A cappella Festival, we are proud of our charitable involvement. Niles West High School Choral program and its booster charity support local vocal music right here at our host school in Skokie, IL. Profits from tickets and merchandise directly support this wonderful cause, which includes music for students, world-class clinicians, lowered participation fees, and even funding for future SingStrong Festivals. But even more than this, 100% of the profits at the silent auction support the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. Our chosen charity is now Cure Alzheimer's Fund where every dollar goes to finding a cure. And of course, SingStrong, Inc. is itself is a New York based charity with a team that donates thousands of volunteer hours to keep our festival first rate.
If I Bid on Something at the Silent Auction, Can I Deduct that on My Taxes?
No. The person who donated that item takes the deduction. The person who bids gets a great deal, and the satisfaction of helping a great cause!
You can buy individual tickets (a la carte) to events. But attendees save big by purchasing a Full Weekend Pass.
Students at any age and Seniors age 65 and older can save even more by purchasing a Discount Weekend Pass.
If you plan to purchase 10 or more tickets at once, you can also save by purchasing the Discount Weekend Pass.
If you are a competitor in either ACA-Idol or the HS Competition, you must purchase a Weekend Pass or a ClassPass. Remember that a ClassPass will give you access to compete and access to all classes, but it won't give you access to see any of the concerts. Ticket terms are here. If you are coming from out of town, you may also need to book a hotel.
Saturday Night Has Two Evening Concerts. (7PM and 9:30PM) Are they Different from Each Other?
Yes! Each concert on Saturday is different from all the others, with different groups performing! Most attendees go to BOTH shows!
Will Sat and Sun Concerts Be Different from Each Other?
Yes! Except for a favorite song or two, groups that perform Saturday usually perform an entirely different set on Sunday.
Is Parking Free at SingStrong?
Yes! There is free parking at all SingStrong concerts and classes! Information about the location can be found here.
Is Parking Free at the Hotel?
Yes! The Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie, site of the afterglows, has free parking!
Is Transportation Free between the Hotel and the Concerts and Classes?
Yes! The Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie provides a free shuttle for guests!
Where Do Guests from Out-of-Town Stay?
Guests from out-of-town stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie. This is the site of all the afterglows. The hotel offers SingStrong attendees special low rates. The hotel has many amenities including free parking, and a free shuttle service to all SingStrong events.
What Airport Should Attendees Fly Into?
All attendees should fly into O'Hare Airport (ORD). The airport is 30-40 minutes from all SingStrong events.
My Group Wants to Perform as Much as Possible! What Performance Opportunities Are There for Us?
Whether your group is HS, collegiate, semi-pro or pro, there are more performance opportunities at SingStrong than any other contemporary a cappella festival! Check them out here and apply now!
Who Is Performing?
We get the hottest artists in a cappella! But our contracts sometimes prevent us from announcing them right away. So how can you tell what you're going to get? Look at our track record! SingStrong, announces its headline performers this winter, however past performers include Pentatonix, NOTA, Street Corner Symphony, Ten, MAXX Factor, Traces, Afro-Blue and The Vanderbilt Melodores from NBC's TV show, "The Sing-Off"; Grammy Winner, Ben Bram (with Level), American Idol's Blake Lewis, and Nate Tao (with The Funx); Ball in the House from America's Got Talent; viral youtube sensation and Austrian overtone singer, Anna-Maria Hefele; live-loopers, Julia Easterlin from Lollapalooza and Grace McLean; New York City's pop, twisted-broadway quartet, Blue Jupiter (feat. by Nickelodeon, NOKIA, College Humor, and OREO); Harmony Sweepstakes Champions Stiletta, GQ, Traces, Da Capo, Cartoon Johnny, Red No 5, Capri, Breath of Soul and others; Broadway Trio, Apollo Link; the haunting, Eastern European sounds of Slaveya and Zulal; renown overtone singer and Wynton Marsalis collaborator, Alex Glenfield; comedic a cappella legends, The BOBS; international touring acts, The Swingle Singers (England), The Essentials (Canada), The Glue (Switzerland), Fii (Austria), Vocaldente (Germany), VocalLine (Denmark), Ensamble Fenix (Venezuela) ONAIR (Germany) Voco Novo (Taiwan); The Alexandria Harmonizers, barbershop multi-medalists; beatboxers, Mandible (VocaPeople), Masai Electro (feat. on multiple national commercials), Ben Mirin (TED Talks), MC Beats (top ranked female beatboxer), Kaila Mulady (2015 World Champion Beatboxer and Beatrhymer), and dozens more! Count on SingStrong to continue its legacy of cutting-edge excellence. You won't be disappointed!
What Classes Are There?
Here is some information about classes generally and a look at the most recent schedule. This will give you a good idea of the kinds and numbers of classes we'll offer each year. The most important thing to know is that our classes are designed with the right amount of seating so you won't have to pre-register to see the classes you want!
What Food Options Are Available At SingStrong?
SingStrong offers snacks such as candy and sometimes fruit, along with sodas, water and fruit drinks. SingStrong also offers lunch foods like pizza or tex-mex. Restaurants of every type are nearby (see below).
What Food Options Are Located Within One Mile of SingStrong?
Coming soon!
What Food Options Are At or Near the Hotel?
The Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie features a Ruby Tuesday's accessible through the lobby. There is also a breakfast area available in the lobby each morning.
If Tickets Are Sold-Out, What Can I Do to Get In Anyway?
Thankfully, when tickets sell out there is a still a chance that you can get in. This is because there are almost always some last minute cancellations and no-shows. The best advice is for you to arrive about an hour prior to the show and let the Will-Call know that you would like to buy a ticket. They will put you on a waiting list and you'll be first to get in when we get a cancellation.
How Do I Perform in ACA-IDOL?
Follow these instructions to apply.
How Do I Perform in the HS Competition?
Follow these instructions to apply.
My Group Would Like a Free Coaching. How Do We Apply?
Follow these instructions to apply.
I Want to Sing on the MainStage, but My Group Can't Come. Is There a Group I Can Join?
Yes! You can apply to join SingStrong's open group, the Single Singers.
If I Attend the 7PM Saturday Show, Can I Save My Seat or Leave My Belongings for the 9:30PM Show?
Because this would not be fair to those who attend the 9:30PM show, we do not allow saving seats or leaving belongings between shows. (Premium Tickets may be an exception in some areas.)
I Purchased a Weekend Pass, But I Can't Attend All of the Shows. Can I Get a Refund?
No. Weekend Passes are a lot like an all-you-can eat buffet. They allow YOU and you ALONE to enjoy as much as you want. But there aren't any discounts for "food you didn't eat" and you can't pass your "all you can eat" status on to anyone else.
I'm in High School. Are There Any Events That I Can't Attend?
You can attend all classes, seminars and concerts. But, the Afterglow parties aren't appropriate for unaccompanied or unsupervised high school students. Afterglows take place in a bar-like restaurant setting. SingStrong therefore recommends that no high school students attend. School or SingStrong personnel do not supervise this event. The Hotel/restaurant alone controls the event.
Can I Record Concerts or Classes?
The rules regarding recording are located in the ticket terms. Generally, the answer is no. But even when the answer is yes, you assign all rights, including copyright to SingStrong. We do this to protect our artists and our cause!
Is It Ok to Arrive Late for Classes?
Yes. Please try to enter without disrupting the class.
Is It OK to Arrive Late for Concerts?
It is risky to arrive late for concerts. If your seat is still available when you arrive, we may reseat you. However, SingStrong is a charity-oriented event. If a weekend pass holder/ticketholder does not show up for a concert in a timely manner, then, in accordance with the ticket terms, SingStrong may resell that seat to someone on the waiting list. This allows SingStrong to both keep our ticket prices low and to raise funds for charity. Thankfully, due to our free, convenient parking, our attendees almost never arrive late, so this hasn't yet presented a problem. But we wanted to give you fair warning. Also, SingStrong personnel may require you to wait until an appropriate moment where your entry will not be disruptive before allowing you late entry to a concert.
How Does Seating Work at Concerts?
SingStrong uses stadium seating for almost all seats. This allows you and your friends to buy tickets separately and still sit together. Doors usually open about 30 minutes prior to concerts.
Where Do I Get My Tickets?
When you enter the SingStrong event site, you will immediately see an area noted as Will-Call. Your tickets and/or passes will be waiting for you here under the name used to purchase the tickets or the name provided to our ticket seller at the time of purchase. You may also see a separate area, near Will-Call, for performers or competitors where their tickets are held separately.
How Does the Silent Auction Work?
100% of the money we raise at auction goes to the fight against Alzheimer's Disease! Throughout the weekend, we will display various items and services. You may enter a bid on any of these at any time before bidding closes on Saturday night at around 9PM. Make sure we have your contact information in case you win! After our Saturday 7pm show ends, and before our 9:30 show begins, we will close the bidding. At this time, bidding often becomes more intense. We will do a count down to indicate the closing of bidding. Most bidders attend the 9:30 show where we announce winners. We will also announce winners on our website. Please pick up your items by the end of the festival on Sunday!
How Does SingStrong Support Charitable Causes?
Here at SingStrong Chicago A cappella Festival, we are proud of our charitable involvement. Niles West High School Choral program and its booster charity support local vocal music right here at our host school in Skokie, IL. Profits from tickets and merchandise directly support this wonderful cause, which includes music for students, world-class clinicians, lowered participation fees, and even funding for future SingStrong Festivals. But even more than this, 100% of the profits at the silent auction support the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. Our chosen charity is now Cure Alzheimer's Fund where every dollar goes to finding a cure. And of course, SingStrong, Inc. is itself is a New York based charity with a team that donates thousands of volunteer hours to keep our festival first rate.
If I Bid on Something at the Silent Auction, Can I Deduct that on My Taxes?
No. The person who donated that item takes the deduction. The person who bids gets a great deal, and the satisfaction of helping a great cause!