The jazz vocal ensemble m-pact will be presented in concert at  7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, at Putnam City High School, 5300 N.W. 50th.

M-pact has been hailed as "one of the best pop-jazz vocal ensembles in the world" by  The San Francisco Chronicle and "among the best a cappella groups in the country" by NBC’s Today Show.

Now touring fine arts halls and jazz festivals internationally, m-pact has appeared all over the world, opening and/or sharing the stage with pop superstars such as Sheryl Crow, Kenny G, and Liza Minnelli, as well as with jazz legends Natalie Cole, Bobby McFerrin, and Take 6.

M-pact has received countless honors, including Billboard’s Best Unsigned Band (1999) as well as the coveted dual titles of "Grand U.S. Champions" and "Audience Favorites" of the National Harmony Sweepstakes Festival (1997). In 2001 the Los Angeles-based vocal band was crowned Artist of the Year at the SAMIE Awards, the Pacific Northwest’s annual contemporary pop music competition. For three consecutive years (2002, 2003, 2004), m-pact was voted both Best Vocal Jazz and Best Pop Group in the A Cappella Community Awards.

M-pact has an Oklahoma connection in the newest member of the group, Jeff Smith. Smith grew up in Oklahoma City area, attending both Putnam City and Piedmont schools before moving to Lawrence, Kan., in high school.

"We’re very lucky to have an international a cappella group of this caliber make an appearance in Oklahoma City," says Bob Early, director of Instrumental Music at Putnam City High.

The concert will benefit the Putnam City High music program. Tickets are $10 for reserved seating and $5 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling Putnam City High vocal music teacher Connie Tate at 789-4350, ext. 2128. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

More information about m-pact can be found at http://www.m-pact.com



Photo, left to right: Jake Moulton, Rudy Cardenas, Trist Curless. Marco Cassone, Britt Quentin, Jeff Smith