By Nayana Davis

Staff Writer

On Friday, November 6, Mama’s Boys President, Raif Karerat, welcomed a packed lecture hall of UMBC students and guests from neighboring universities to the sixth annual “Festivus Acappellius” fall concert.

Raif, also serving as the Master of Ceremonies, proceeded to introduce the opening act, UMBC’s female acapella group, the Stilettos.  The girls were dressed in black formal wear with the exception of their signature stilettos which varied in style and color from shades of pink, red, and gold to more exotically patterned fare. The Stilettos performed four songs, however, their standout performance on the night was a rousing interpretation of Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend”, lead by their President, Noelle DiSipio. With her sassy moves and powerful voice, she was able to win the crowd over with great ease.

Following the opening act was the Towson coed group, Purrrfect Pitch. They too were decked in all black though their attire was much more casual. Purrrfect Pitch garnered many cheers and laughs with their psychedelic dance moves and great chemistry. Their rendition of of Cake’s “Never There” which featured a duet proved to be a great hit. Much to the surprise of loyal Mama’s Boys fans, Purrrfect Pitch also performed a of “All These Things” by the Killers, a song popularized on the UMBC campus by Mama’s Boys alumnus Steve Gilmore. Although the Purrrfect Pitch version was certainly admirable, it paled in comparison to the Mama’s Boys interpretation.

The night continued with a performance by the Villanova University Haveners, a female acapella group dressed fashionably as if for a night on the town. Interestingly enough, this was the Haveners first time at UMBC, and they were quick to impress. A performance of “Have a Little Faith in Me”, sung by various pop icons including Jewel and Mandy Moore, proved to be both soothing and soulful. However, they were quick to kick it up to high gear and turn on the charm with the rousing number “Can’t Hold Us Down” by Christina Aguilera.

Goucher College’s Red Hot Blue were up next. This coed group proved imaginative in their costumed garb with members dressed up as fairies, pirates, wenches, and there was even a woman dressed up as Max, in his wolf costume, from Where the Wild Things Are. Their rendition of Thriller proved uproarious as it was complete with dance move and evil laughs. Another notable presentation was their version of “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus, led by Serena Shapero. The angst-ridden song, performed with humor by Red Hot Blue, proved somewhat ironic as well given Serena’s Charlie Brown costume. This group got a standing ovation by the end of their set.

Finally, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived as the Mama’s Boys assembled on stage dressed in togas. The crowd roared in approval. They began with the song “Guy Love” by Zach Braff (J.D.) and Donald Faison (Turk), featured in the hit television show, “Scrubs”. In the past, J.D.’s part had been performed by alumnus Jay Lagorio, however, the reins were passed on to sophomore Justin Lane who rose to the challenge magnificently. It was clear that Justin and Raif, reviving his role as Turk, had great chemistry, although, as is typical of Mama’s Boys interactions, it was amusingly awkward.

Next, Junior Nimit Bhatt was adept at engaging the crowd when he singled out audience members to perform a quick dance to the song “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” by the Offspring. The Mama’s Boys also performed some new numbers as well including a lighthearted interpretation of “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys and a well received pop medley which featured “Down, Down, Down” by Jay Sean and “I Got a Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. The latter performance was especially spectacular as it also included dance moves and showed off solo performances from a good deal of the members.

Finally, the night concluded with a performance of “Where is the Love?” by the Black Eyed Peas, including, as tradition mandates, alumni members. It was interesting to see how far the Mama’s Boys have progressed since forming six years ago when looking upon some of the ghosts of Mama’s Boys past like James Grant, Alex Appelbaum, and Thaddeus Walsh. Here’s to hoping for many more years of great music and success.

Comments may be sent to ndavis3@umbc.edu