“Harmonies for Hope” funds cancer research

On Feb. 28, Relay for Life invited the Hopkins community to watch five a cappella groups perform in Mudd. The event, entitled “Harmonies for Hope,” sought to raise awareness and funds on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

Evening host Randy Bell began by welcoming and thanking attendees for contributing to Relay for Life’s cause. Bell explained that each group donned a specific color to designate the strain of cancer corresponding with facts and figures presented between sets.

The Vocal Chords — dressed in red to represent bone marrow cancer — opened with Zedd’s “Clarity.” Kaleigh Choi and her backup percussion excellently picked up tempo before ending as softly as she started. Nick Uebele undoubtedly performed his best rendition of “Demons” to date. The Imagine Dragons cover was calm, controlled and proved to be a highlight of the night. Uebele was at his finest and even stole the spotlight during The Vocal Chords’ closing song, “What Now.”

Clad in pink in honor of breast cancer, The Sirens followed with hits including Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory” and The Beatles’ “Let it Be.” Most impressive from the entirely female group was leading vocalist and percussionist Mary Treinen. Not only did Treinen solo, but she also kept the beat blasting song after song.

The Mental Notes took the stage next, wearing white (under Hawaiian shirts) to commemorate lung cancer. The comedic group repeated two ICCA favorites “We are never getting over Taylor” and “This Final Sucks,” arranged to the tune of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.” Senior Malachy Duffy particularly shined with his portrayal of “One Semester of Spanish, Spanish Love Song,” which kept the audience in a fit of laughter from start to finish.

The Octopodes represented colon and prostate cancer in their usual blue garb. Freshman Will Harrison kept the atmosphere light-hearted and energized with MTKO’s “Classic.” Powerhouse Lajari Anne gave a very controlled, moving performance with her usual solo “Who You Are” by Jessie J. The Octopodes ended with a bang as sophomore Corbyn Yahp dominated Bruno Mars’ “Runaway Baby.”

Fittingly dressed in black to signify the dangers of melanoma, The AllNighters ended the night with three outstanding pieces. Sophomore crowd-pleaser Brian Gilbert opened the set with a smooth cover of “Treasure” by Bruno Mars. There’s no doubt that Gilbert is a born entertainer, for he naturally played into Mars’ lyrics with head bopping and hip swaying. In addition to succeeding as the best percussionist of all five groups, John An melted hearts with Hunter Hayes’ “Wanted.”

Hopkins’s premier boyband channeled another famous group of heartthrobs by closing with One Direction’s “Story of My Life.” Junior Ari Messenger and freshman Brad Bowers ended showcase on a perfect note with hands in the air and spirits lifted.

Thanks to the talented performers and host Randy Bell, The Harmonies for Hope event raised a whopping $600 through ticket, merchandise and dessert sales. This contribution will add to Hopkins Relay for Life’s grand total of $18,000, all contributing to cancer research and patient support programs.