A New Kind of Vocal Group One great thing about being an artist today is that one has the ability to draw from so many varied influences that one can create a textured sound that cannot be pigeonholed and can be appreciated on multiple levels. Vocal groups have a diverse history and usually revivalists remain true to one of the many forms. SIGNATURES combines the sounds of '40s style groups like The Pied Pipers and The Modernaires, the free jazz vocalizing of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, and pop groups like The Stylistics, The Beatles, The 5th Dimension, and Manhattan Transfer. This unique act also draws from the touching harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel, the country rock sound of The Eagles, and the inventive and dynamic arrangements of Earth, Wind and Fire. Rarely does a vocal group have four gifted soloists, each with the ability to step to the fore to lead, and then blend back into the ensemble to support the whole. This is one such group. Each one is a headliner in her own right, with her own unique signature. SIGNATURES has it all - solos, duets, trios, and lush 4-part harmony - along with an entertaining show that will leave you in a state of pure musical joy. These ladies love to sing and share that passion from the first song to the last. Don't miss the opportunity to experience SIGNATURES. Bios Barbara Ayars has been performing before audiences most of her life, either as a soloist or background vocalist. While in Las Vegas she was sought after as both a lead singer and vocalist for several revues, including the award-winning "A Bare Touch of Vegas". She provided background vocals for Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme at Caesar's Palace, Diahann Carroll at the Dunes, and Donna Fargo at the Sahara, and was a featured soloist with pianist Esquivel. Barbara toured with both Bobby Vinton and Mary MacGregor, and has appeared on "The Tonight Show", "The Merv Griffin Show", and "The Dinah Shore Show". Barbara has been heard on commercial jingles for Minnesota Tourism, Dairy Queen, and General Mills, among others. She has recorded with Bill Cosby, and appeared on the soundtrack for "He Lived the Good Life", a Christian musical. Kat Cogswell studied jazz with Phil Mattson at Pacific Lutheran University for two years. She then traveled East and graduated from Hartt School of Music with a Bachelor of Music in 1992. While in New York City she sang in various cabarets and clubs including The Bitter End and The Bottom Line in the Village. She toured the Eastern Seaboard extensively with an a cappella group from 1995 to 1999. When she moved back to the West Coast she joined a cool 'gypsy jazz' band in 2002 called "Django's Cadillac". Karla Harris has earned a reputation for delivering melodies with sincere zest and spirit. A naturally dynamic singer with sparkling stage presence and a sterling voice, Karla has worked as a session artist providing lead and background vocals for soundtracks, music videos, educational and inspirational products, multimedia presentations and documentaries. In 2004, Karla teamed with Tom Kennedy, an internationally acclaimed jazz bassist known for his work with Rosemary Clooney, Freddie Hubbard and Dave Weckl. With Tom's quartet, Karla delved deeply into her jazz beginnings. The collaboration moved from stage to studio recording "Twice as Nice,"a CD of favorite composers of jazz and pop standards. Stephanie Torres is the daughter of an original 'Mouseketeer', and has kept the performing gene alive! A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, she also has studied voice with both Miss Ellie Stone in NY and Linda Brice in Oregon. Her numerous credits include multiple musical theater roles including Anita in "West Side Story", Ado Annie in "Oklahoma" and the title role in the original musical 'Miss Lulu'. She sang with the Swizzle Chicks for 11 years, opening for the Smothers Bros. in Seattle and performing on the Columbia Queen. Bo Ayars - Musical Director Bo Ayars is also a man who regularly wears many musical hats. At various times he has been Music Director, Conductor, Arranger, Pianist and Music Producer for numerous superstars including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Bill Cosby and Bob Hope. Bo is quite proud of his 13 years as Music Director for legendary showman, Liberace, contributing his conducting and arranging talents to both Lee's worldwide live performances and several TV specials. In his role as music director for the political satire group, the Capitol Steps, he was invited to performed at the White House and was honored to have accompanied such political figures as President and Mrs. Bill Clinton, Vice President and Mrs. Al Gore, former presidents George Bush, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, Vice Presidents Richard Cheney and Dan Quayle, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, Senators Patrick Leahey, Ted Kennedy and Barbara Feinstein. Bo has produced and arranged several pops "theme concerts" & has appeared around the country as guest conductor with the San Antonio, San Diego, Buffalo, Erie, Wichita, Kansas City, Youngstown, Hartford, Ann Arbor, New Haven, Tallahassee, and Phoenix Symphony Orchestras. Other diverse musical clients include Butch Thompson, noted pianist on the popular radio and television production, "A Prairie Home Companion", jazz vocalist Banu Gibson, guest conducting his original compositions with community bands, and several TV jingles for General Motors and Hilton Hotels.