OCU’s two acapella groups will host a benefit concert together at a local restaurant.
Tonal Eclipse, formerly known as OCUpella, and the Ahhx Chords, are performing the concert from 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 27 in the plaza backyard of Aurora Breakfast, Bar & Backyard, 1704 NW 16th St. The concert’s purpose is to raise money for the groups’ future recording sessions with Voices Only, a professional acapella producer.
Jeffrey Laughrun, music theater senior, and Joshua Kelly, music theater junior, are in charge of Tonal Eclipse.
“We wanted to take people to a new level, so to speak, so we rebooted the group with a fresh slate and fresh auditions at the beginning of the semester,” Laughrun said. “The reason we had to do that was because we wanted to make the group smaller, around 13. Last year it was about 20.”
Brandon Stalling, acting senior, is in charge of the Ahhx Chords, an all-male acapella group. He said the group started when he was at Webster University located in St. Louis, Missouri.
“I wanted to bring this group here when I felt like my creativity was being stifled. I wanted to bring something I loved, which is acapella music,” he said.
Stalling said he started the group his sophomore year, but it fell apart.
“I tried again in my junior year and took on more responsibility,” he said. “It was way more successful. Here we are this year, and we have a really strong and dynamic group. We love each other, we work hard, and we have matching T-shirts. When you got T-shirts with your name on it, you’re solid. You’re an acapella group. I’m really happy about where it’s come.”
Attendees of the event can purchase pastries, lattes and specialty coffees as well as a cash bar for those 21 years or older. Attendance is free.
The money donated will be split between Tonal Eclipse and the Ahhhx Chords, and will go toward professional recording sessions.
Each group will perform separate sets with featured soloists. Tonal Eclipse will feature Kelly and Raymond Allred, musical theater sophomore, beatboxing together, as well as Stalling in the song “Sober” by Childish Gambino, and Laughrun and Kelly will be featured in solos as well.
The Ahhx Chords will feature Fritz Hager III, music theater freshman, and Julian Ibarra, acting freshman.
“Come out and support,” Stalling said. “We’ll just be there listening to one another and collaborating.”
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