A cappella concert will benefit Women Aware
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

NEW BRUNSWICK — Local a cappella groups will raise their voices on Oct. 9 in concerted support for victims of domestic violence.

Five top area a cappella groups will hold a concert to raise funds for Women Aware, the Middlesex County-based nonprofit that provides services for victims of domestic violence and their children, according to Brenda Giman, concert organizer and trustee of Women Aware.

“We are delighted that five fabulous groups have agreed to do this concert to support Women Aware,” Giman said. “It’s a great opportunity to see these top groups perform and to help raise needed funds to assist victims with housing.”

Since Women Aware’s inception over 20 years ago, Giman said the agency has helped more than 10,000 victims of domestic violence and their children. The organization provides programs regarding shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, education and referrals. They also run a 24-hour crisis hotline for victims of domestic violence, Giman said.

Women Aware and Key of She, an all-female group from Central New Jersey, jointly created the concert concept, “An Amazing a Cappella Amalgamation,” a year and a half ago, Giman said. This year, their second concert will take place at 8 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick.

In addition to Key of She, the event will feature Pieces of Eight, of New York City, Vox Bop, of New York City, Harmonytryx, of Northern New Jersey, and Spare Parts, of Princeton.

“The five vocal groups in the Amalgamation represent some of the best a cappella music being produced today,” Giman said.

“These groups explore a rich range of sound, including the ‘vocal percussion’ Bobby McFerrin made famous using the human voice to imitate a variety of instruments.”

Often called modern vocal bands or voicestras, Giman said these groups expand the traditional a cappella repertoire of classical, American Songbook, Broadway and popular to include jazz, rock, funk and rap.

“The Amalgamation promises to be an evening of outstanding performances by some of the area’s most exciting a cappella vocal bands,” Giman said. “By raising additional funds for Women Aware, it also promises hope for victims of domestic violence and their children.”

Advance tickets cost $20 for general admission and $15 for seniors and students. Tickets can be ordered at The State Theatre/Crossroads Box Office at (732) 246-7469 or www.StateTheatreNJ.org. To make a donation or for more information contact Jackie Marich or Eve Hook at (732) 249-4242.