Friars concert claims to be 'Best Ever'

If there is one thing the Friars have in larger quantity than talent, it is ambition. That, or the possibility that they just have a sense of humor about everything, seem to be the only explanations for the fact that their annual concert is titled "Best Concert Ever." Consisting of 20 songs, this hour-and-a-half length concert promises to deliver exceedingly large doses of great music, irreverence and humor that threaten to put "Hash-Bash" to shame.

Currently in their 44th year, the Friars (named for the prestigious drinking society that flourished at the University in the early 1900s), are an eight-member, all male singing group and are, incidentally, the oldest on campus and the second oldest in the nation. Founded by Walter Collins in 1955, they are a subset of the University's Men's Glee Club, and for a team of eight tuxedo-sporting college guys, they pack one hell of a punch. Their emblem, the frothy beer mug, signifies the hallmark

Courtesy of The Friars The Friars, known for fine singing and comedy, mount one another.

of every Friar performance - "light hearted spontaneity."

The Friars have performed everywhere from New York City to Hawaii, Denver to Atlanta and were in Cancun during Spring Break. Following their Spring Break trip, they are (surprisingly) glad and relieved to be back home and assure a "guaranteed good time for all." "Intoxicated on making music" is a phrase they use to describe themselves, and after attending one of their practice sessions in the Bell Tower, I was left with no reason to argue with that.

This concert marks the final appearances (for all you die-hard Friar-fanatics) of three graduating seniors: Nate Pierantoni, Jeff Hogg and Patrick Evoe. It will also witness the debut of two new Friars, Phil Kitchel and Jess Chestnutt. The songs cover a wide range of music; everything from the sincerity of "Why Should I Cry For You?" to the foot-stomping irreverence of "Liposuc-tion" and "Banana Split."

If you just can't seem to get enough of the Friars, they will be performing again, tonight at Hill Auditorium, along with the rest of the University's Men's Glee Club, adding their characteristic touch to the cultural event. Taking this one step further, and probably one step too far, you can also catch them running the Naked Mile, donned in their designer bow-ties, vests and beaming smiles. The Friars Annual Concert is an event not to be missed, whether you are an a cappella fiend or just a cappella curious.

04-09-99