NORWICH – Following a sold out appearance that brought the entire audience to its feet in early 2011, the vocal group m-pact returns to the Chenango County Council of the Arts in Norwich on Friday, May 11 at 7 p.m.

Their award winning sound incorporates the smooth soul of Stevie Wonder, the percussive power of Stomp, the funk and drive of Earth, Wind, & Fire, the hip licks of Take 6, and the brass bite of the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band, all created by the human voice alone.

Hailed “one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the world” by the San Francisco Chronicle, m-pact is respected worldwide as a cutting edge trailblazer in the realm of vocal music. Emerging from an age of auto-tune and overproduction, this Los Angeles-based sextet has cultivated a new generation of ears hungry for the fresh, raw power of nature’s “first instrument” - the human voice.

From the beginning, the “pact” of these well-studied masters has been to stay true to Music, regardless of style or genre. Their sophisticated sound and accessible appeal have garnered vast accolades, including “Vocal Group of the Year” from the LA Music Awards, an Indie nomination (the Independent Grammy), “Artist of the Year” (Seattle Music Awards), and Grand National Champs of the Harmony Sweepstakes competition.

Touring renowned fine arts halls and jazz festivals across four continents, m-pact has performed with pop superstars Sheryl Crow, Boyz II Men, Kenny G, Liza Minnelli, Babyface, Rick Springfield and Jackson Browne to name a few, as well as with jazz legends from Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Bobby McFerrin, Take 6, and the New York Voices to the Woody Herman Orchestra and the Maynard Ferguson Big Band. Over the last dozen years, their signature sound has been used in both TV themes and animated Disney feature films, and is enjoyed on syndicated radio worldwide.

Around the globe, mesmerized audiences buzz from the thrill of m-pact’s vocal acrobatics, innovative orchestrations, and commanding yet authentic stage presence. Unknowing ears of all ages come expecting entertainment but leave enriched from an indescribable experience: the musical journey across Technicolor soundscapes produced by this “Cirque du Soleil of Song.”

Each of m-pact’s five original studio recordings has received rave reviews and multiple awards, including Best Jazz Album, Best Pop/R&B Song, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Vocal Arrangement (the CARA Awards), Best Seasonal Album (”Indie” nomination), and Best Unsigned Band (Billboard Magazine). M-pact’s very own Jarrett Johnson is now officially a Grammy-winning songwriter, singer, and producer.  Jarrett was a contributing writer to Michael Bublé’s album “Crazy Love,” which garnered two wins at this year’s Grammy Awards.  Because of his contribution to the album, the NARAS has confirmed Jarrett as a Grammy-winner as well! Members of m-pact were also recently guest artists and teaching faculty for “Vocal” week at the International Music Camp this summer.

This performance by m-pact is sponsored by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company. Tickets range in price from $20 to $25 with discounts for seniors and members of the Arts Council. Youth 18 and under are always $10. For reservations call 336-ARTS(2787) or go to chenangoarts.org. The Arts Council is located at 27 West Main St., Norwich.

A special prix fixe menu is available before every Arts Council performance at the Bohemian Moon in Norwich, as well as extended hours following the performance.