On Saturday Feb. 25, students and community members alike packed into Newton 202 to attend Circle K International’s 10th annual Harmony for Hope Concert, which featured Geneseo’s four a cappella groups: Southside Boys, Exit 8, Between the Lines and Hips ‘n’ Harmony.
The proceeds, amounting to over $1,500, benefited AIDS Care Rochester, the leading provider of services in the area for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). They proudly hold the reputation of denying service to no one.
Southside Boys, Geneseo’s only all-male a cappella group, kicked off the night with a comical rendition of Shania Twain’s well-known hit, “Man! I Feel like a Woman!” Following that lively number, the group announced it was celebrating its 20th year as an organization, and in honor of this event they would be singing past hits from their 2007 season up to the present year. They went on to poignantly sing Michael Bublé’s “Everything,” a big hit with the audience.
Next up was Exit 8. They started off their romantic set with a cover of The Veronicas’ “This Love” followed by an interpretation of one of The Script’s best-known pieces, “Breakeven.” Later on they sang a hauntingly memorable version of “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri and the ‘90s classic “MMMBop” by Hanson. These heart-moving melodies with relatable morals left the crowd swooning.
Between the Lines then took the stage. President and senior Josh Carney said that their first song would build on the theme of love, specifically “love lost, love found and then love rubbed vindictively in someone else’s face.”
They followed this introduction with Sara Bareilles’ cover of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it).” BTL again used their unique style of covering a cover by singing Obadiah Parker’s version of Outkast’s “Hey Ya.” They even incorporated “shake-it” dance moves, which had audience members not only laughing but also dancing in their seats. They concluded their first set with the Geneseo Pep Band favorite “All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers.
Hips ‘n’ Harmony sang Christina Aguilera’s “Come on Over,” followed by Maroon 5’s “This Love,” adding a different twist to the traditionally male song. They also sang Jessie J’s “Price Tag,” and a breathtaking version of Say Anything’s “Alive with the Glory of Love.”
The performance ended with Between the Lines’ energetic and inspiring version of “We Are Young” by fun., which moved audience members to their feet for a standing ovation.