Forest Fire Beatbox NYC

Expect to hear what the human voice is truly capable of. Pop covers and original works that display how full musical compositions can be created with only two mouth. Interactive audience segments with the opportunity to learn how to beatbox and demystify the artform. Playful banter, beats both bassy and comedic that'll leave the audience shocked and giggling.

Forest Fire are the USA and North American Beatbox Tag Team Champions. Their electrifying performances and hands-on workshops have been the highlight of major live music and A Cappella festivals and camps around the globe. Consisting of Craig Simonetti (Plant) and Michael Wingate (Match), these award-winning beatboxers have performed and competed at the highest levels and have amassed performances spanning four continents.

Plant - Craig Simonetti is a singer, beatboxer, and teacher specializing in a cappella. Combining his beatboxing skills with his vocal flexibility cultivated over years of training, Craig's music represents a fusion of styles that pushes the boundaries of vocal performance. He’s released his unique flavor of pop-funk music across all streaming platforms, and he is constantly seeking new ways to create and perform. He has earned semifinalist status in the American Traditions Vocal Competition, which requires vocal flexibility and artistic excellence. Armed with a Master's degree in Vocal Pedagogy from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, he now shares his passion as a voice teacher at Berklee College of Music, Singing Lessons NYC, and his own private studio. With performances spanning Central and Southeast Asia, Canada, and various stages across the USA, Craig's talents have captivated audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

MATCH - Michael Wingate is an NYC-based beatboxer delivering high-energy beatbox performances and pushing the boundaries of what the human voice is capable of. He holds a B.A. in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance from Delaware State University; he teaches beatbox lessons to students of all ages, vocal percussion workshops with high school and college students, and beatbox classes at A Cappella festivals across the United States. In the past, MATCH completed a seven-month stint in the beatbox and tap dance-infused show, Noiseboys (from the creators of Choir of Man), onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s ‘Prima’. MATCH was also a member of the Baltimore-based A Cappella ensemble, ember. With ember, MATCH took first place in the Mid-Atlantic Semifinal at the 2018 Varsity Vocals A Cappella Open, as well as Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and competed in the A Cappella Open finals at Carnegie Hall in NYC. No stranger to the competitive beatbox scene, MATCH has ranked 3rd in the United States of America two years running and 2nd in North America in the solo category, and remains a top contender on the international stage, having picked up multiple top 4 placements among major international competitors, including national champions from France, Canada, Austria, and more. As of late, MATCH has been focused on recording and releasing music with Forest Fire, beatboxing with a cappella ensembles, MO5AIC, The Magnets, and BLACKOUT, as well as preparing to compete in the World Beatbox Championships.

Two microphone inputs needed.
Preferred: Two Wireless Shure SM58 microphones.
Wired mics can be provided by Forest Fire.

Mixing board capable of handling two mic inputs as well as basic EQ and effects (7-band equalizer, compression, reverb. etc.)
Preferred: I.E. Behringer x32 or model of equivalent quality and capability.

At least two speakers - 12-15 inch each.
Preferred: Electro Voice Speakers or model of equivalent quality and capability.

Subwoofers preferred, but can perform and adapt without.
Preferred: two subs around 10 inch each

Lighting not required, but makes the performance more lively and fun! Some specific cues if possible but the lighting operator can have fun with the lights during the performance to accent certain moments!