Battle of the Blends returns for Season XXVII

Fermata NoWhere Submitted photo

After a two-year absence, the ever-popular a cappella experience Battle of the Blends hosted by Maine Music Society returns on at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Franco Center in Lewiston.

MMS Artistic Director Dr. Richard Nickerson will emcee this always sold-out event. Six spectacular groups – Northern Pitch, Fermata NoWhere, The Afternotes, The Crosstones, the Nor’Easters, and the Maine Music Society Chamber Singers – will raise their voices in exuberant renditions of jazz, barbershop, rock’n’roll, spiritual and Renaissance vocal music.

Northern Pitch is a five-voice group of lifelong musicians based in Portland. Their music is eclectic, including pop favorites, Pentatonix covers, blues and jazz. Local favorite Fermata NoWhere is an auditioned group of Edward Little High School students in grades 9-12 under the direction of Sarah Brooks. The Afternotes, a women’s multi-generation group of UNH alumni from coastal New Hampshire and Southern Maine, enjoy performing a variety of genres including songs by Fleetwood Mac. Celebrating 56 years of being a Harmony Chapter in the Bath/Brunswick area, the Nor’Easters Barbershop Chorus will provide a change of pace with tunes like “King of the Road” and “When I’m 64.” Founded in 1996, The Crosstones, Bates College’s long-standing co-ed a cappella group, is known for its down-to-earth nature, humor and energy. They perform songs from all genres ranging from Motown to pop rock. The Maine Music Society Chamber Singers, a division of the MMS Chorale, has performed at various public events and as part of several local concert series. The repertoire includes early motets, folk songs, modern art and pop songs and their unique rendition of the “William Tell Overture.”

Tickets are available now and reserved seating is back this year. This concert is a major fundraiser for MMS. The Franco Center is located at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Visit mainemusicsociety.org or call our business office at 207-333-3386.