On Friday, March 21, Villanova’s eight a cappella groups put on their highly anticipated spring showcase: A Cappella Palooza. Jake Nevin Fieldhouse was full of friends, family and excited students waiting to hear all the performances these groups have been working hard to prepare.
The first group to take the stage was Measure Up. It offered a wonderful, emotional performance that was the perfect way to begin A Cappella Palooza. Its choreography was smooth and brought out the songs and formations. The second group in the lineup was the Villanova Melodics. They began with “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, setting up an extraterrestrial storyline throughout the first half of the performance. The participants wore pastel outfits and charismatic soloists, and the audience loved every second. Next up was the Haveners. This all-female group always amazes, and A Cappella Palooza was no different. Senior Vanessa Rosado’s solo to “Bust Your Windows” by Jazmine Sullivan garnered some of the loudest cheers of the night. Her powerful delivery amazed the audience and was magnified by the group’s effortless choreography. The final group to perform in the first act was Minor Problem. Its members took the stage in all white and delivered an incredible performance. Beginning with a duet to “Telephone” by Lady Gaga, its set immediately had the audience engaged. The rest of the set was equally energetic, even as it switched genres to Hozier in order to close out the first act of A Cappella Palooza.
“All the groups were so impressive,” sophomore Angie Rodriguez said. “I loved the whole event, especially when I knew some of their songs.”
After a brief 10-minute intermission, we were back to a cappella. The second act opened with the Sirens, fittingly in all black in contrast to the previous act. Their set was beautiful, with powerful vocals shining through each song. They also performed one of the most well-known songs of the event: “lovely” by Billie Eilish. Next, perhaps the most recognizable Villanova a cappella group was set to perform. In its usual blazers and denim combo, the Spires took the stage in an absolutely awe-inspiring performance. Its songs and choreography fit perfectly together, and the vocals were equally impressive for each part of the set.
After this group, setting this sequence of heavy hitters in stone, the Supernovas were up. Their set was flawless, reminding everyone at the event that the group would be traveling to Delaware the very next day for the ICAA semifinals. Its choreography shone, and everyone looked perfectly in sync the entire time.
The final group performance of A Cappella Palooza was Nothing But Treble. In sparkling multicolored tops, its set was fun, fresh and the best way to close out such a diverse collection of performances.
The eight a cappella groups on Villanova’s campus are a big point of pride, and they show off the immense talent Villanova’s student body encompasses. A Cappella Palooza is always a highly-attended and beloved event, whether one has friends in one or more groups, or if one just has a love for a cappella. As the end of the semester approaches, look out for each group’s spring concerts to celebrate their unique talents.
