Six Finalists Move Forward in A Cappella & Unplugged Competition for $500 Prize

Exciting Developments in the A Cappella & Unplugged Competition

The Franklin County Visitors Bureau has officially wrapped up the first round of the much-anticipated 2026 A Cappella & Unplugged music competition. This thrilling event took place at the historic Capitol Theatre, where a crowd of over 250 music enthusiasts gathered to support local talent on stage. Out of 17 acts that performed, a panel of five judges meticulously evaluated each performance based on vocal quality, originality, audience appeal, and the overall stage presence of the performers.

The judging panel included notable figures such as Amoretta Shultz, Kelly Kozloski, Heather Kline, Bob Courter, and Brian Grant. After much deliberation, the judges have selected six finalists who will compete for the coveted grand prize of $500. The finalists include:

- Jenni Joy
- Jack's Back
- Noah Mellot
- Brandon Lee
- Lily Snowberger
- Josh & Chris (a duet)

The excitement doesn't stop there! The audience at the Capitol Theatre also played a crucial role by voting for their favorite performer, resulting in the People's Choice Award, which was awarded to Noah Mellot, who took home a $100 prize.

These talented finalists will return to the stage on July 18, 2026, to perform again, this time leading up to the historic event known as the 1864 Ransoming, Burning, Rebirth of Chambersburg. This poignant event commemorates the town’s resilience after it suffered significant destruction at the hands of Confederate troops during the Civil War. The performances will take place on the steps of the iconic Franklin County Courthouse, where both the musical competition and the reenactment will unfold.

The A Cappella & Unplugged competition first began in 2015, integrated seamlessly into the larger narrative of the 1864 reenactment. This initiative aims to honor Chambersburg’s incredible recovery from the devastation of war while celebrating the community's enduring resilience, courage, and spirit of rebirth.

The public is warmly invited to attend the A Cappella & Unplugged finals scheduled for July 18 at 6 PM, along with the historical reenactment event. Preparations are underway, with streets being closed to accommodate the expected crowd. Both events are designed to be free for the public, enabling an enriching experience of history, music, and community pride.

In this celebration not only of history but also cultural expression, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites everyone to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of arts and recreation that Franklin County has to offer. Nestled just north of the Mason-Dixon Line, it’s conveniently located for those traveling from Baltimore, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York.

For anyone interested in exploring history, arts, nature, or the local culinary scene, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau encourages you to discover more through their website, ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com, or by calling them directly at 866.646.8060. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to witness outstanding musical performances merge beautifully with the poignant history of Chambersburg.