Courtesy of MHN
The M&C's perform at OJAM
BY SARAH BERGER ‘27
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Mount Holyoke College’s a cappella groups brought their best to a mixed group of auditioners and supporters at O-JAM, hosted on Friday, Sept. 6. Each group was greeted by chants from the audience, as well as individual shoutouts to some particularly supported performers. However, no matter who they were there to see, the crowd had consistent energy and enthusiasm for the entirety of the performance.
The M&Cs opened the night with a description of their group as friends who have sung together since 1989. They explained that their name stands for milk and cookies, one of the College’s most beloved traditions, and that they wear black and red to their performances. They performed “What you Don't Do” by Lianna La Havas, led by Rory Hagerty ’27, followed by “You Go Down Smooth by Lake Street Dive” with Clara Murphy ’25, as the soloist. Bee Mayberry ’25 soloed on the group’s final track, “Thank You” by Boyz II Men.
After the M&Cs were the Victory 8s, who kept a light mood and opened with the colorful “Mount Holyoke Drinking Song.” They then continued with "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder, with Lizzy Alzawahara ’25 as the soloist. Autumn Gebhardt ’26 sang "Boyfriend" by Dove Cameron, and the V8s finished with a performance of "Samson" by Regina Spektor.
The Nice Shoes closed out the night by explaining that they’re a cause-based group, which means that all of their performances are a fundraiser of some kind. Last semester, they raised over $700 for Palestinian charities and individuals. However, in addition to their charity work, they described themselves as a group of friends who hang out and sing. They opened with “Feelin’ Good” by Nina Simone, with Ghost Seay ’27 as their soloist. Faye Broughton ‘27 and Grace Morgan ’27 followed up with “Shake it Out" by Florence and the Machine. Clara Canavan ’27 finished with a rousing performance of “Fuck You” by CeeLo Green. After the show concluded, the groups held an audition workshop for prospective members in attendance.
Each performance showcased the various technical and social aspects of a cappella, from the jokes shared between the members onstage to the playing of starting pitches prior to each song. Prospective a cappella members will certainly have a difficult time choosing which group to join, considering the excellent performances delivered by all of them.
Abigail McKeon ’26 contributed fact-checking.