There are several a cappella groups on campus, each with a distinctive sound and personality. This Saturday, the four groups—Fundamentally Sound, Tangled Up In Blue, MadHatters and Redefined —will team up to put on the A Cappella Showcase, a concert event featuring the groups both separately and together.
This is the third year UW's various a cappella groups have teamed up.
""Working with the other a cappella groups was really fun,"" said Alexandra Machover, a member of Tangled Up in Blue.
Fundamentally Sound's Joseph Wenninger explained that even with the inevitable challenges that arise when combining several distinctive groups, the process still proves to be rewarding.
""Although trying to maintain focus with 60-plus singers is extremely difficult and frustrating at times, the talent that each group brings to the table helps the small amount of focus achieved go a long way,"" he said.
In previous years, the concert has been made up merely of each group performing solo. This year will be the first time the four groups will actually sing together, collaborating on the show's opening number.
""Having everyone together on stage starts the show on a really good note,"" said Erica Nelson, business manager of Redefined. The particular song the groups will be collaborating on is under wraps, Nelson did hint, ""It is a chart topper, one that everyone will know.""
This is not to say each group's individual talents won't be highlighted. Members from all four were enthusiastic about what their specific sets included.
""We'll be debuting four new songs at the showcase: Michael Buble's ‘Haven't Met You Yet,' James Brown's ‘I Feel Good,' the fabulous Lady Gaga tune ‘Speechless' as well as an exciting new arrangement of ‘On, Wisconsin,'"" MadHatter David Redick said.
Nelson was also excited about her respective group's set, saying, ""You can expect a lot of high-energy songs from Redefined.""
Although excited about their individual talents, those participating in the show were most excited about the bond the four groups are making.
""We are now considering ourselves a community more so than just individual groups,"" Nelson said.
With all this energy and talent, the A Cappella Showcase is sure to be entertaining. In an effort to appeal to everyone's taste, each group is aiming to perform within a wide array of genres.
""Audience members should expect to hear a variety of songs—pop, '80s, alternative, etc.,"" Machover said. ""The musical arrangements are always very impressive from each group.""
Proceeds from the showcase will benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, a charity close to each group's heart.
""Cancer is an issue that affects everyone,"" Nelson said.
The groups were looking for a universally supportable charity, and because of several of the group's past experience with Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society was an easy choice. ""It's very clear it's a benefit concert, and we want to put our emphasis on that,"" Nelson said. ""But it's not a sad event.""
The four groups are looking to top the $7,000 the event brought in last year. ""It's rewarding to know that that was because of our work,"" Nelson said. ""We're all really proud to be a part of this.""
The A Cappella Showcase will be held this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Union Theater. Tickets cost $10 for students and $15 for general admittance.
