Like the Dickens, a cappella quartets, began its singing career in the summer of 1992. Company Owner and Caroler Manager David Craven and Company and Booking Manager Kelly Treadway, along with husband Greg, were brainstorming together about a holiday entertainment company and happ'd upon the slogan, "Carolers who sing like the dickens” and thus the creation of Like the Dickens.

Like the Dickens started with 1 quartet and two alternate vocalists in December of 1992. The company now in its 18th year has 10 quartets in Atlanta, Georgia and 1 quartet in Nashville, Tennessee. Carolers come from a variety of backgrounds including music, music education, theatre, opera, as well as other artistic professions - all sharing the love of a cappella singing. Many company members hold bachelor and master music degrees in vocal performance or music education. Others came from theatrical or other performance backgrounds. In previous years auditions were held for new company members. Currently new carolers come into the company from referrals of other members. Occasionally auditions are held for those who hear us singing and ask to come join. One such caroler was a Delta pilot who heard a Like The Dickens quartet singing on Christmas Eve at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Since its first year of operation, Like The Dickens has been Atlanta’s most booked caroling company. Since then the look and sound of the group has continued to make Like the Dickens Atlanta's most booked caroling company. The company's repertoire is now over seventy songs including madrigals, holiday favorites, comedic pieces and traditional period carols. The costumes are 1840 English dress attire and each caroler has a costume that is designed especially for her or him.

The Company Owner and now Caroler Manager, David Craven has a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Tech in Architecture Design and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in Directing Theatre. David has worked in commercial and industrial film and now travels January to October as a professional actor/singer. As Caroler Manager he oversees all creative and performance aspects of the company. During the holiday season David is costume designer, wardrobe manager, rehearsal coordinator, caroler scheduler and manages caroler payroll for the almost 60 person company!

Kelly Treadway, Booking Manager, attended Georgia State University in Theatre and has a background as an arts administrator. Kelly has worked in Atlanta as an actress/singer and as a commercial and film actress. She is currently the Events Manager for the Twelve Hotel at Atlantic Station for Novarre Group. She worked with Rialto Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Atlanta for over a decade. She manages all aspects of marketing Like the Dickens and booking of quartets with corporate and residential event planners. Kelly also helps with costume maintenance, auditioning carolers and account collections. These efforts now keep her busy year-round – in 2005 alone the company booked over 370 hours of singing!

In the end this company thrives due to the many talented Atlanta vocalists who graciously return to sing for Like The Dickens year after year. The goal of Like The Dickens is to provide performers the opportunity to have some fun during the holiday season and earn money while having fun. The company was set up to treat performers as professionals, and as such with respect and understanding.

Happy holidays!