CLAIRE O’REILLY
Assistant Life & Arts Editor
For the 12th year in a row, Some Like it Hot is putting on their a cappella festival, Acafest.
“The idea stemmed from a former hottie who thought having a showcase of the groups here on campus would be a great way to get everyone to come together,” said senior media management major and Some Like it Hot President Samantha Baggatta. “The idea of inviting off-campus groups came along a few years later when another former hottie transferred schools.”
For senior public relations major Julia Turano, this will be her third Acafest.
“My favorite parts of Acafest are definitely debuting new songs we’ve been working on and also getting to meet and mingle with other groups,” said Turano.
Any Queen B fans will particularly enjoy this year’s festival.
“I’m really looking forward to performing our Beyoncé medley because, even though it’s not a brand new song, it’s such a crowd pleaser, and we have so much fun singing it,” said Turano.
Audience members can look forward to some new music being introduced.
“We will be performing two of our new songs never heard yet, and I cannot wait,” said Baggata. “We have all worked so hard to perfect these songs, and I really think the crowd will love them.”
This year, there will be five other groups performing with Some Like it Hot, including some off-campus groups hailing from the western New York area, The University at Buffalo’s The Enchords and The Rochester Institute of Technology’s Eight Beat Measure. Fredonia’s The Riveters, The Guerillas and Dynamic Intonation are also slated to perform.
“One of my favorite aspects of Acafest is being able to see all of the talent we invite. Whether it be the on-campus groups we have here at Fredonia or those we’ve invited from around western New York, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this year,” said Baggatta. “[I love] being able to perform on the same stage as all of the amazing groups we are inviting. We also love the energy of the crowd, and we are looking forward to that again.
“People will love this show because it will be a night filled with great fun and entertainment. Acafest is our most popular event each year because of how fantastic these groups are,” Baggata continued. “Fredonia students will love this show because it’s not just about one group, it’s about all of us. It’s about how music can bring people together.”
Turano also believes students will enjoy the fest.
“Fredonia students will love this show because you get to experience a lot of your favorite songs in a very unique way,” she said.
Turano explained that there will even be some fun incorporated into the intermission.
“Not only will there be singing, but also a 50/50 raffle and a beatbox competition during intermission,” she said.
Both Baggatta and Turano have high hopes for this year’s festival.
“I hope that the audience gains a better understanding and respect for a cappella music and wants to come back next year. Everyone should come see the show because we worked so hard on the music and making this show enjoyable and fun,” said Turano. “Come see your friends, and maybe make some new ones, all while enjoying music made solely from the performers’ voices.”
“It’s great music, great people and a great time,” said Baggatta. “Come out for a fun Friday night, and enjoy some great entertainment. We are really excited for this year’s Acafest and hope to see you there!”
Acafest will be on March 31 in Diers Recital Hall from 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.