REVIEW: Home Free wraps up the holiday with Tyson concert

Why, you might ask, would Home Free do a concert on the eve before Christmas Eve?

Because on Dec. 23, 10 years ago, the a cappella group won “The Sing-Off” and launched its music career in a big way.

The Saturday performance at the Tyson Events Center included plenty of holiday offerings (it was called “Home Free for the Holidays”) but also some of those hits that gave the five nine albums in as many years.

Covers like “Elvira” and “Some Girls Do” helped showcase the group’s harmonies and let the singers demonstrate why they’re popular the 11 other months of the year.

Austin Brown got lead on most songs but had his biggest moment singing “Warmest Winter,” a touching tribute to his grandmother, the one who made sure the holidays were idyllic. After an arena full of tears dropped, he quickly launched into “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” and got an entirely different emotional response.

That ability to switch from one mood to another was key to the evening’s success. Adam Rupp’s beatboxing was essential, too. It set the tone for everything and got its own showcase with “Carol of the Bells.” Lighting effects accompanied the song and gave the others a break.

Tim Foust, the group’s bass, served as emcee throughout the 90-minute show and got plenty of chances to test the sound system’s lower register. While he wasn’t as bone rattling as he has been at the Orpheum Theatre, he did leave an impression.

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Interestingly, the five didn’t seem as choreographed as they have in the past. Sure, they moved around two platforms, but it didn’t seem like a Broadway show. Saturday’s activity was more organic.

Rupp, one of the original members of Home Free, did a neat harmonica bit that highlighted a medley including “Man of Constant Sorrow” and “Folsom Prison Blues.”

“Winter Song” scored as did versions of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Born in Bethlehem.”

If you needed another song to get in the proper mood, the quintet offered “How Great Thou Art.” It was as stirring as you might imagine and a great way to prep for Sunday services.

Because Home Free has many more holiday songs in its catalog, the group could have filled another hour and still not grazed a dozen top sellers.

Perhaps that as it should be: More songs mean more reasons for a return visit.