Sweet performance for fall concert

Rubyfruit, one of UConn's all-female a cappela groups, sang their hearts out at their concert Friday night. The group consists of seven talented students whose voices echoed in harmony. The performance was held at the Wilbur Cross North Reading Room at 7 p.m.

The group performed for a fairly large audience of their friends and supporters, several of whom were dressed in creative togas (the theme of the concert). The group began by singing "Sunshine," a pleasant song with a soft catchy beat. This song displayed their ability to work together. They continued with "Let it Linger," a moving song that demonstrated the group's well rehearsed harmonies and the seamless blend of all their voices. They ended their first set of songs with a unique spin on the song "Life is a Highway" made popular by the country group Rascal Flatts. This was a fun song sung powerfully and a great song to entertain the audience.

After the cheers subsided, Rubyfruit warmly introduced Alabaster Blue, a co-ed a cappela group from the University of New Hampshire. The group was there as the guest performers and many of them proudly represented hometowns in Connecticut. They brought a new sound to the performance, beginning with a soulful gospel song that attested to the power of their voices. Alabaster Blue further entertained with several enjoyable numbers ranging from upbeat songs with toe-tapping rhythms to powerful, melodious ones. Their energy was inviting and refreshing and their flawless harmonies impressed the audience.

"I have to give a lot of credit to Alabaster Blue; their harmonies worked well because they didn't overtake their soloist, but Rubyfruit also did really good," said Taha Zaidi, a 5th-semester physics major.

They were certainly a favorite with the audience who clapped and rewarded the group with a standing ovation at the end of their performances.

Rubyfruit returned for another set of songs and captured the audience with "Love Fool" by The Cardigans and ended with a more bluesy piece.

They also received a standing ovation and great approval from the audience.

Many students were there supporting their friends and had a good time hearing them perform.

"My favorite part was my friend Melissa singing," said Jarratt Schlechauf, a 7th semester business major. "I enjoyed it, it was all very nice. They had really good blend in their songs."

The group clearly enjoyed themselves and had fun. "The friends, hanging out and getting to sing with them is fun" said Anisha Patel a 5th-semester English major and a member of Rubyfruit. "It's fun having a common interest with people and just rehearsing and performing."