Rip_Chord, Elon University’s all-male a cappella group, hosted its first Speakeasy concert Jan. 19 at West End Station. Two of Elon’s other a cappella groups, Sweet Signatures and Vital Signs, jumped at the opportunity to sing in a fun, casual performance.
To make the deal even more enticing, the three groups entertained their fans free of charge.
“For us, it’s not about the money,” said Rip_Chord President John Molloy. “It was about bringing all of the groups together and having a good time.”
Originally, this show was intended to bring Rip_Chord and an all-female guest group from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Lorelies, together in a single performance. The Lorelies had to cancel, but Rip_Chord decided to keep the event date.
“It was a great chance for all of the Elon a cappella groups to perform together in a really laid back setting,” Molloy said.
Performing at a bar was a new feat for all three groups.
“I want there to be a stronger a cappella community on this campus, and I think this is the perfect opportunity to bring all the groups together and do what we all love to do – sing,” said sophomore Nick Cook, president of Vital Signs.
Cook said the group loves being able to perform with other a cappella ensembles. He said he thinks the concert will be very special and become a new tradition at Elon.
Sweet Signatures, Elon’s all-female a cappella group, performed one mash up and Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away.” They will have the opportunity to perform this new addition to their set list at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) later this year. Sweet Signatures was selected among nine other groups to compete in the quarterfinals Jan. 26 at Duke University.
Judging by the packed bar, Elon students agreed this Speakeasy concert was long overdue.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Molloy said after the show. “We’re definitely going to do this again.”
Rip_Chord opened and closed the show dressed to fir the Speakeasy theme. “Lots of suspenders and bow ties,” Molloy said.
After each group had gone through at least two songs, Rip_Chord’s Molloy and junior Tyler Johnson took the stage to complete a dream of theirs: singing with the audience. As they began Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” the entire crowd joined in.
Fans filled every corner of the venue, even sitting on the counter to get a better look at the singers.
“I think that bar scene is going to work really well for this event,” Molloy said. “This concert is definitely going to have a more grungy feel to it.”