Grammy-winning a cappella gospel and jazz group Take 6 will perform at Holy Cross Church in Syracuse, thanks to the efforts of the Cultural Performances Committee. Le Moyne’s own student-run a cappella group, Fermata Nowhere, will serve as the opening act.
Since the group’s formation in 1987, Take 6 has been known for its unique style of music (which contains elements of jazz, gospel and R&B) and its collaborations with performers like Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, and Quincy Jones.
“Their sound is very complex, with harmonies usually not found in mainstream a cappella music,” said Travis Newton, director of music at Le Moyne and member of the Cultural Performances Committee. “Take 6 is rooted in gospel music, but has just enough of a “pop” flavor to make them attractive to a broader audience.”
The Cultural Performances Committee (CPC for short) is a committee that seeks to present quality cultural performances to the Le Moyne campus community and the overall Central New York community. It first became aware of a potential Take 6 performance in Syracuse after Newton and two student committee members, Tyler Sperrazza, and Rhiannon Williams, both juniors, attended the annual meeting of the Central New York Arts Presenters Consortium.
“Take 6 came up in conversation and the students and I brought the information back to the committee for discussion,” Newton said. “The committee decided that, given Le Moyne’s growing interest and participation in vocal music, and the stature of 10-time Grammy-winning Take 6, that they would be a fantastic group to present.”
In the process of obtaining the group, the committee offered to give Le Moyne a cappella group Fermata Nowhere a chance to show audiences what they’ve got.
“It’s a unique and amazing opportunity for Fermata Nowhere,” said co-president Bri Vespone, a junior. “This concert serves as a great chance to get our name out there and it pushes us as performers to be the best we can be. There’s no better way to kick off the semester.”
As for Take 6 itself, Newton is confident audiences will get an experience like no other.
“The connection between these six performers is truly magical, and the unified blend of their sound is nothing short of incredible,” Newton said.
“Take 6 promises to not only be a magical musical event, but also a moving spiritual experience that will inspire community life for all those who attend,” said Dr. Deborah Cady Melzer, chair of the Cultural Performances Committee. “This is an event not to miss.”
The performance will take place Saturday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m. at Holy Cross Church (4112 East Genesee St.). Students can sign up for free tickets and transportation at Student Development. General tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and may be purchased by calling 315-445-4523.
In addition, don’t miss Fermata Nowhere performing and promoting the Take 6 concert on WSYR Channel 9’s “Bridge Street” this Friday, Sept. 30. The show starts at 10 a.m. Check out Music at Le Moyne’s Twitter page (@MusicatLeMoyne) for updates.
