The Coats
Biography

The synergy started in 1987 on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, where four young men found a common passion for singing and became the spirited four-part vocal ensemble, The Trenchcoats, now shortened to, simply, The Coats.

The Coats sang for hat money, bouncing harmonies off campus walls for passing students, giving impromptu performances anywhere and everywhere people would listen -- local restaurants, sporting events and supermarkets. They became regulars at Seattle’s celebrated Pike Place Market, constantly honing the distinctive sound that national audiences have come to recognize as "those a cappella guys from the Northwest." The band’s unusual name evolved out of necessity. Performing outdoors meant having to brave Seattle’s infamous weather, and trench coats not only protected them from the rain, but also made them instantly recognizable.

The group is flourishing. The Coats’ four-part vocal chemistry continues to emerge and truly demonstrates the potential and adaptability of a cappella music. And, they’re fearless!

Their "cover" repertoire spans the popular hits of more than four decades and includes everything from 1950’s doo-wop to jazz, country ballads to rap. They continue to produce original music, some with musical accompaniment. Most recently, they wrote and recorded a series of exceptional country originals.

Writing and composing much of the ensemble’s original music, tenor, Jamie Dieveney, is the creative force behind The Coats. Baritone, Doug Wisness, the group’s founder, leader, and financial guy, is the glue that holds everything together. Add to that his incredible vocal skills and – wow! – what an asset! The other three members refer to Kerry Dahlen as "the intellectual one," and his very dry, sharp wit has earned him another title. The "class clown’s," exceptional bass vocal makes him the rock upon which the band’s sound is built. Finally, there is Keith Anderson, the "ridiculously high" tenor. Normally very quiet off stage, Keith’s on-stage performances are explosive. His vocal makes the room simply come apart at the seams.

In 1995, The Coats swept the National Harmony Sweepstakes, becoming the U.S. National Grand Champions. They have appeared with Kelsey Grammer on NBC’s Frasier, and have done radio and TV commercials for the Bon Marché, Lamonts, and others. They have performed with such diverse talents as Jay Leno, The Beach Boys, Trisha Yearwood, Jewel, Gallagher…the list goes on.

The Coats have also found a unique niche. They were first exposed to it when a high school music teacher asked them to perform for her class. An instant hit with that age group, the guys decided to try to expand their audience. Soon they were booking concerts with junior highs, high schools and colleges around the state and later, throughout the nation. As part of the show, they offer a workshop prior to the performance, to help young singers transform their individual talents into unlimited group potential. Two things have resulted. The Coats have impacted young people’s lives in a lasting fashion. And, at the same time, The Coats have developed a young audience with fan base that is sure to continue its growth.

There are two new recordings. The Coats Collection and the band’s first every Christmas CD, On Christmas Time, were both released in the fall of 2000. In addition, they have released five independent recordings, beginning in 1994 -- It Turns Me On, Your Joy, When I’m With You, Are You Up? and Exposed.