“American Idol,” the ever-popular television series, was never more suited to Rensselaer than this past Saturday night, when the Rensselyrics hosted a “site-specific” version of the show in the DCC. Of course, the show was the 2003 Invitational, and it boasted guest groups from all around the area – the Cornell Chordials, the Colgate Resolutions, and the Mount Holyoke V8s.
Immediately after the first “contestant” flunked out of Rensselaer Idol, the Cornell Chordials led the show off with superb renditions of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin,” Tori Amos’ “Precious Things,” and the Bare Naked Ladies’ “Life In A Nutshell,” among other favorites. As if the exceptional version of “When Doves Cry,” by Prince wasn’t good enough, the Chordials thrilled the audience members with a step show that was without equal.
The Colgate Resolutions followed suit with George Michael’s “Freedom,” John Mayer’s “Why Georgia,” and Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back,” which was as striking as it was accurate, but the crowning achievement of their performance were the versions of Heather Nova’s “London Rain” and Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why.”
Shortly after intermission, the Mount Holyoke V8s came out in force and wowed the audience with their all-female renditions of songs by some of our favorite artists. There was no shortage of talent, and this 61-year-old group put its best foot forward with spectacular versions of “Demons,” “St. Theresa,” and “Hangin’ Around” by Counting Crows, but the feather in their cap was the “Mount Holyoke Drinking Song,” which eased our troubles for the time being and reminded us that no matter what school we attend, passions remain the same.
Just when you thought the show couldn’t get any hotter, the Rensselyrics took the stage for the final set and burned the words a capella into our minds forever. Pieces included The Calling’s “Wherever You Will Go,” sung by Gary Yund, Billy Joel’s “River of Dreams” sung by Brian Waite, Incubus’ “Warning,” sung by Sahir Azam, and Billy Pilgrim’s “Insomniac,” sung by Paul Dalton. The magic was unleashed when seniors Christina Melicharek, Kristen Amann, and Eric Horowitz led the group through a full days’ lesson in musical diversity; selections included Sarah McLachlin’s “Possession” and Collective Soul’s “The World I Know.” In celebration of the short break in the winter weather last week, they even added some fun in the sun for the audience by striking up an impromptu “audience volleyball” game during their version of The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.” Without question, this show was one of the season’s finest performances, and if you missed this one, be sure to buy your tickets in advance for the Fall 2003 show; it’s sure to be standing-room only!
