By: Hollis Connors

With the Acabellas’ first performance of the year approaching, Acabellas President Chelsea Esmeier hopes the concert will not only showcase the work but also the passion that the group has been putting into its music.

This is the first year for the Acabellas to host its first concert in October, soon after finding the group’s new members. The new concert provides the opportunity to perform more songs and is an official event on the Family Weekend itinerary. “My goal is to have the group learn as much new music as possible and to really prove what we are capable of,” Esmeier said. “There are so many talented performers in our group, and together, I think the group is really something special.” Because this is the first feature performance of the year as a group, new members and new leadership will be introduced.

“It will be the first chance for many audience members to hear our new sound and songs,” Esmeier said. The Acabellas wanted to find songs the audience would enjoy hearing, and they would enjoy singing.

Many popular songs will be featured in the concert, including pieces by Sara Bareilles, The Beatles, Rihanna, Pat Benatar, John Legend, One Direction, Lorde and Mackelmore. The concert is free to attend.

There will also be a bake sale with all proceeds and admission donations going towards the Xavier students who were victims of the recent house fire. “We always love to perform, but being able to use our talents to help others makes this even more special to us,” Esmeier said. In addition to providing entertainment for various campus and Student Activities Council events, the next major performance for the Acabellas will take place in December.

The concert will include Christmas pop songs. The concert will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27 in Kennedy Auditorium. Students can support the Acabellas by attending concerts, following @XUacaBellas on Twitter and liking their Facebook page at facebook.com/xuacabellas.

If organizations want the Acabellas to perform at an event, they can email Esmeier at esmeierc@xavier.edu.