Six talented a cappella groups helped UNC Habitat for Humanity kick off the year with its first Rock the House fundraiser. Memorial Hall’s lower level seating was full, thanks in large part to the popularity of the Clef Hangers, who were slated to appear at the end of the show. But the lesser known groups proved just as entertaining.
Group 1: Lucky 13 (Chapel Hill High School)
Chapel Hill High School’s all-girl a capella group, Lucky 13, performed a nice rendition of Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn,” taking into account the fact that they are high school girls performing for a group of college students. The lead singer was a little quiet and a little flat in some places, but they get extra points for bravery.
Group 2: Walk-Ons
The Walk-Ons’ renditions of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and Akon’s “Freedom” were smooth with great harmonies. I was especially impressed by Walt Peters’s range in “Freedom” and his ability to hit the high notes with such force.
Group 3: The Loreleis
This was my first time seeing the Loreleis perform. They started out rocky with Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.” Savita Joshi had trouble putting power behind the high notes. But she impressed me with her deep, sultry voice when she sang Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” in the final medley. Paramore’s “Hallelujah” ended the medley, but Nina Gandhi also had trouble with the high notes in the beginning. Maybe it was nerves, because she picked it up and redeemed herself by the end. My favorite performance was by Starr Miller, who sang Adele’s “Hometown Glory.” Her voice was soulful and velvety. UNC’s next American Idol competitor?
Group 4: Psalm 100
Psalm 100 began with The Submarines’ “You, Me and the Bourgeoisie.” Soloist Katy Link sounded a bit nasal in places, but it was a group of true entertainers – they were excited to be there and had the audience clapping. The talented Rachel White sang Flyleaf’s “All Around Me,” a song that constantly switches from low to high notes and back again. They ended with a hymn by Caedmon’s Call, “I Will Sing.” It was beautifully done, with the whole group in harmony.
Group 5: The Achordants
The Achordants were one of my favorite groups – who wouldn’t like a group of 17 musically talented men? They started with Blink 182’s “Stay Together for the Kids,” which had some great harmony in the chorus with tenor Ben Phillis taking care of the low notes and Adam Pasour hitting the high notes. Jacob Osborne had the crowd roaring with laughter during Styx’s “Mr. Roboto.” Apparently singing isn’t his only forte – he dances, too. Pasour finished it off with Rob Thomas’ “Streetcorner Symphony.” And maybe it’s because that’s one of my favorite songs, but I thought Pasour was really hot!
Group 6: The Clef Hangers
The Clef Hangers have a great reputation for a reason. The group has great stage presence and a strong, beautiful sound. They began with Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody,” and soloist Hogan Medlin delivered a clean performance. James Taylor’s “Carolina in My Mind” was second, and one of the things I love about this performance is that each member has a small solo. They finished with Toto’s “Africa,” another Clef classic. I liked their choice of songs, but the latter two are sung at every performance. It would have been nice to get some more diversity.
Surprise! Group 7: Steve McQuaid and Megan Jones
The night’s emcees and UNC Habitat co-chairs Megan Jones and Steve McQuaid – also a Clef Hanger alumn – surprised the audience with a duo rendition of Jason Mraz’s “Lucky.” The mini performance was a pleasant surprise.
-Danielle Cushing