For the first time on an Arizona stage, nine a cappella ensembles from seven universities will perform what is being dubbed an international a cappella singing competition.
The inaugural International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella on Saturday, though, won't have any ensembles outside of the United States. Ensembles that are going to perform at the event, hosted by the University of Arizona ensembles CatCall Acappella and Noteriety, are the Pitchforks and Priority Male, both from Arizona State University; Northern Arizona University's Elevation; Infrared from the University of Utah; and from California Fermata Nowhere of Mt. San Antonio College, in Walnut, Pointless from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and the University of California at Irvine's Circle of Fifths.
According to organizers, the International Championship of Collegiate Acappella shines a spotlight on the art of student a cappella singing. Judges will give feedback on performances while the groups get a chance to perform before a large audience at UA's Centennial Hall.
Each of the groups - co-ed, all-male and all-female - perform a diverse repertoire that capitalizes on vocal percussion, choreography, solo work and original student arrangements, organizers said.
Tucson indie rock duo Ryanhood is the evening's special guest.
The event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. Tickets are $20, $15 for students at www.uapresents.org online.
Cathalena E. Burch
