Tribute to OOTB

Out of the Blue's big annual concert, "Pirates: A Jam Event," took place last night in its traditional venue, SSS 114. Jam (originally short for 'jamboree' from back in the day when words like that didn't sound utterly ridiculous) is a special event for an a cappella group, both because of the amount of rehearsal and the size of the audience. In the weeks leading up to jam, it's not unusual for a group to sing multiple hours every day of the week, in addition to the time put into producing ancillary pieces like comedic skits and film segments (both of which usually turn out much less funny than desired--but the groupies appreciate the effort). As for the audience, jam is the one concert alumni make a serious effort to see, and that means it puts the spotlight on the current group but is also a celebration of an on-going tradition. (In ootb's case, that tradition is pop/rock a cappella since 1987.)

I was particularly impressed with the performance of the freshwomen this year. They're some seriously hot stuff--not just in terms of their amazing vocals and range, but also their stage presence. (To give you some perspective, I was so ridiculously nervous during my freshman jam that people sitting four aisles away could barely hear me.) The group just keeps getting better and better, and it's hard to believe that ootb has grown so much in such a short period of time. It used to be we had trouble with recruitment! Now, rumour has it that our beloved ootb is one of the hottest mixed groups on campus. (Woot!) I'm proud to have played a small role in that development, even if it was three years ago. In true ootfashion, I've now turned into a drunken-and-debaucherous alum that shouts encouraging but inappropriate comments at soloists during jam. (I'm excited to hear the recording to see just how many of my cheers will be forever etched onto this year's jam CD.)

I miss singing. There's just something special about singing in and being part of a group that is a feeling that can't be replicated with any other activity. So ootb, be proud of yourselves. It was an amazing show last night. The true indication of a successful gig is when people in the audience wish they were on stage with you, and you certainly had me wishing that from first note to last.
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