The Blenders

This article is about The Blenders, a vocal quartet based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This group is not to be confused with the vocal quartet of the same name led by Steve Smith (singer) which was part of the Lawrence Welk Show for two years. It disbanded in 1967.

Since the late '80s, Tim Kasper, Ryan Lance, Darren Rust and Allan Rust have toured the U.S. with such acts as Jay Leno, Howie Mandel, Savage Garden, Johnny Lang, Blues Traveler, Chicago, The Righteous Brothers, Lou Rawls, Chuck Berry and many more. They have appeared on a variety of national and regional television shows including The Arsenio Hall Show, Today and Crook and Chase.

The Blenders spent their early years building up their fan base by touring hundreds of colleges and universities across the country. In the process, they received the Contemporary Artist of the Year award in 1994 and 1995 by the National Association for Campus Activities. The Blenders found international success with a number one hit in a handful of European countries with a remake of Dean Friedman's quirky song, "McDonald's Girl." Although their influences stretch far and wide, The Blenders find a common bond in vocal music – from R&B and Jazz, to Pop and Rock, their focus is on tight unmistakable, smooth vocal harmonies.

Recently, The Blenders have performed on Minneapolis/St. Paul television commercials. In December 2006, The Blenders sung their song "When it Snows" in an advertisement for KARE-TV promoting Toys for Tots. They appeared in an ad for KMSP-TV's morning news theme song ("Wake Up with FOX 9") while riding a Hiawatha Line light rail train. Their work with KMSP won them an Emmy.

Discography

*"Totally Whipped" (1992)
*"From The Mouth" (1994)
*"The Blenders" (1995)
*"Now and Then" (1997)
*"Nog" (1997)
*"Loveland" (1999)
*"When it Snows" (2002)
*"Holiday Best" (2004)
*"Most Wonderful Time" (2005)
*"Songs From the Soul" (2006)

External links

* http://www.theblenders.com/main.html