CHAMBERSBURG, Pa — Round 1 of this year’s “A Cappella & Unplugged” music competition is complete. Seventeen acts took the stage at the Capitol Theatre, performing for a lively audience of more than 250 music lovers.
A panel of five judges—Amoretta Shultz, Kelly Kozloski, Heather Kline, Bob Courter and Brian Grant—evaluated performers on vocal quality and musical skill, originality and creativity, audience appeal and stage presence.
The 2026 “A Cappella & Unplugged” finalists are Brandon Lee, Jack’s Back, Jenni Joy, Josh & Chris, Lily Snowberger and Noah Mellott. The People’s Choice Award, determined by the Capitol Theatre audience, went to Noah Mellott, who received a $100 prize.
Finalists will perform ahead of the “1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg” on Saturday, July 18, on the steps of the historic Franklin County Courthouse. Audience members, along with text voting, will select the 2026 “A Cappella & Unplugged” champion, who will receive the $500 grand prize.
The music competition began in 2015 as part of Franklin County’s “1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg”—a vivid historical reenactment that immerses audiences in the dramatic events surrounding the burning of the town by Confederate troops during the Civil War.
The year 1864 commemorates Chambersburg’s remarkable recovery from devastation, with losses exceeding $1.5 million in 19th-century currency. “A Cappella & Unplugged” was introduced to highlight the town’s rebirth and to celebrate its enduring resilience, courage and resolve.
The public is invited to attend both the “A Cappella & Unplugged Finals” and “1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth” on July 18, at 6 p.m . Streets will be closed for the event, and the steps of the 1865 Franklin County Courthouse will serve as the stage for both the musical performances and the living history portrayal.
