The best at the 'fest

There are two things that come to mind when I think about college-specific activities: ultimate frisbee and a capella. So what better way to kick off the year than with Acapellafest 2005?

Students, parents, and faculty members packed into Devlin 008 on Thursday for the only chance all year to hear the six Boston College a capella groups at the same event. It was an eclectic mix of song and style, from Motown oldies to Bruce Springsteen, black lace dresses to mullet wigs. Admission was free and all donations went to raising money for Katrina Relief, organized by BC Help.

The night began with the Dynamics, a co-ed 15-member group, who opened with a lively rendition of Sister Hazel's "All for You." Ah yes, you can't resist the '90s, especially when it's a capella-style. There's also something so admirable about a human beat-box and how a person can get their voice to sound like a drum, guitar, tambourine, electric synthesizer, or whatever background effects are required for accompaniment. The group was upbeat and fun in a colorful Gap-commercial-like way.

Next up were the Heightsmen. Decked out in sports coats and striped ties, the all-male group melted hearts with their smooth voices, energized finger-snapping, and school-boyish charms. There was a strong bond of camaraderie from this group, who would all gang up and endearingly wrestle each soloist after his song. As they claimed in their closing signature piece the "Heightsmen Harmony," these guys seemed "soul to soul" and "brother to brother." Ushering in the next group with enthusiastic cheering and whistling from the audience, the only Christian-affiliated a capella group Against the Current took the floor as the last group to perform before intermission. They pleased the crowd with the timeless classic "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King and Ryan Cabrera's pop hit "On the Way Down." Each soloist introduced their song and shared what singing it meant to them, adding a special personal touch to their set.

The Bostonians, the oldest a capella group on campus, can be described in two words: stage presence. Despite their powerful voices and harmonies that could send chills up your back, the mood stayed light with the occasional goofy face or hand point at an audience member. You didn't want to look away from the soloists in case you missed them doing something funny. The highlights of the Bostonians' repertoire were a soulful performance of the '70s hit "Don't Leave Me This Way" and Hilary Duff's "Come Clean" - also known as the theme song from Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.

Following the Bostonians, the Sharps induced nostalgia with the Motown oldies "You Can't Hurry Love" by Diana Ross and "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin. Looking around the audience, I saw heads boppin' and fingers tappin' while I could hear a few others shamelessly singing along. The all-female group added cutesy choreographed bits that added to the '60s feel.

The Acoustics kept things relaxed and laid back with a casual vibe that complimented the energy in their voices. The '90s came back again with "When You Say Nothing at All," followed by a sultry taste of "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles. Members of the Acoustics humorously played off small microphone-stand mishaps, and it was fun to watch them really getting into the songs.

Allowing students to showcase their musical talents and raise money for a good cause, Acapellafest was a fun night for everyone - a show totally worth missing The OC for.