Harvard puts on a show for Habitat

Bermudians were treated to a lunchtime concert as three glee clubs from Harvard University shared their talents for a good cause yesterday.

The Krokodiloes, the Radcliffe Pitches and the Harvard Din & Tonics performed at a concert entitled, Harvard in Hamilton for Habitat II, an event to raise money for Habitat for Humanity Bermuda.

Taking place at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity at noon, the three groups entertained the almost full church.

US Consul Gregory Slayton hosted the concert and told the audience he and his family would match whatever money was raised in order to give back to Bermuda. He thanked everyone for coming out and said: "There are a lot of other things you could have done today on this rainy day in Hamilton but the church is almost full."

Larry Williams, executive director of Habitat Bermuda explained the charity, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, was created in 2000 on the Island in response to the need for more adequate, affordable housing in Bermuda.

The Krokodiloes opened the concert with their jazz, swing, and rock set with selections from the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. They are Harvard's oldest and most widely travelled a cappella singing group founded in 1946 in the Hasty Pudding Club.

The Kroks, as they are called, were dressed mostly in blue suits with various coloured ties and ran up from various parts of the church in pairs for their first performance. They performed with interesting and fun choreography.

The Pitches, an all girl group, followed the Kroks with a jazz piece. They are regarded as Harvard's premier female a cappella singing group founded in 1975 at the Hasty Pudding Club as well. The group is made up of 12 to 16 undergraduate women who since songs inspired by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.

The Din & Tonics came to the front of the church dressed to the nines in full tuxedos. They are said to be one of the world's most beloved collegiate a cappella groups. Their music is centred on the American jazz standards of the 1920s, 30s and 40s.

The group is known for their snappy choreography, hilarious antics and a cappella with a twist.

One hundred percent of the donations from the event will go to Habitat Bermuda along with the money Mr. Slayton and his family have pledged to match.

Courtesy of Royal Gazette reporter Mikaela Ian Pearman