Inspired by greats like Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, and The Real Group, WS5 has crafted its own unique sound, characterized by highly original arrangements, complex harmonies, and outstanding musicianship. 

The group formed in the summer of 2009, bringing together five old college friends on the west side of Manhattan. They immediately gained national attention, winning the Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes while being voted Audience Favorite and winning Best Arrangement for “Pure Imagination”. They went on to be featured artists at the SingStrong A Cappella Festival, and have performed alongside groups including Blue Jupiter, Streetcorner Symphony, and The Bobs, as well as for Mayor Michael Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion in New York.

West Side 5’s self-titled debut album has received wide acclaim. The album earned 2 CARA nominations (Best Jazz Song for Chet Baker’s classic “I Fall in Love Too Easily”, and Best Jazz Album), and the group’s innovative take on the standard “As Time Goes By” was selected to be featured on the Voices Only Forte compilation, putting West Side 5 in the company of the best vocal harmony groups in the world today, including The Idea of North, m-pact, Cadence, and NOTA.