Three of Colgate University’s a cappella groups — the Dischords, the Mantiphondrakes and the Swinging ’Gates — and the local Blue Parsley Boys performed at the fourth annual A Cappella Fest in front of a packed Palace Theater. The April 11 event was a lively end for many seniors’ time in the a cappella community at Colgate.
The Blue Parsley Boys opened the show by covering a range of classics, including “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” A local favorite based in Hamilton, they set the tone for a night of incredible music.
Sophomore August Haston, president of the Mantiphondrakes, or “Mantis,” was delighted by the groups taking part and also the opportunity to perform with the Blue Parsley Boys.
“The concert was lovely,” Haston said. “It’s always enjoyable having these moments of connection with the other groups, and it was made even better by the presence of the Blue Parsley Boys.”
Next in the lineup were the Dischords, who opened with a fun rendition of “Everybody Talks” by the Neon Trees, sung by first-year Sam Chittick.
First-year Helen Reichert shared her thoughts on the concert.
“This was my first concert with the Dischords, and I was so excited that it was also with so many other amazing groups,” Reichert said. “We are so lucky to perform in such an amazing venue, and it was great getting to see Colgate students, admitted students and Hamilton community members in attendance. Overall, it was an amazing show, and I can’t wait for next year’s A Cappella Fest.”
Haston agreed that the crowd was lively, especially because it showed how much support student music groups receive.
“I feel the turnout was remarkable and demonstrated the communal support for the arts, not just on Colgate’s campus but in the broader Hamilton community,” Haston said. “It wasn’t just students in attendance; it was locals coming to support all of the groups, as well.”
The room was filled with cheers of support from students and community members alike. The concert was over an hour long, but the room was packed the whole time, with audience members lining up along the walls to listen to their peers singing. Each group stayed to watch the others sing, and the support in the room was wonderful to see.
The Mantiphondrakes highlighted their seniors by singing “Heartbreak Anniversary” by Giveon, “Pressure” by Billy Joel and “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House.
“The Mantis are just such a supportive ecosystem, and there’s no one I’d rather sing alongside,” Haston said.
Sophomore and Swinging ’Gates member Kate Slone also remarked on the connections a cappella has given her.
“A Cappella Fest is always so much fun,” Slone said. “It’s our last time performing together for the year and our unofficial send-off for the seniors, so it’s a really special experience for our group. Because of that, it’s always amazing to see such a great turnout and to see so many people there to watch us perform.”
The Swinging ’Gates rounded out the night with a beautiful rendition of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. It was a bittersweet end to a night showcasing seniors’ last performances with the a cappella groups that became like family to them during their time on campus.
The love was palpable in the Palace Theater as family and friends congratulated their star singers. A Cappella Fest may only be in its fourth year, but with this kind of support from the Colgate community, it has the potential to continue for years to come.
