Non-Foodie Nugget: The Sing-Off

Back in the day (have any of you ever thought about that phrase?  where did it come from?  exactly when does a day qualify as "back"?), I used to sing in a choir.  In middle school, high school, and even a sanctuary choir in my hometown of Knoxville, my first alto loved harmonizing with all the other voice parts.  There's something heavenly about it, really.  When all the parts strike a chord, it can leave you breathless, amazed, and even weeping (yes, I've weeped while singing...quite an accomplishment). Music is powerful.

So, the other weekend I was visiting my dad in the mountains of western North Carolina.  My dad, an accomplished baritone who knows and shares my love for all things choral, suggested that I watch NBC's The Sing-Off.  I was reluctant; I just thought it'd be another lame reality competition show, kind of like Dancing with the Stars (sorry for you fans out there...I just can't hack that show).  I was wrong.  Very, very wrong.  This show does with harmony what So You Think You Can Dance does with choreography.  Hailing from the Ivy League to Arlington, TX, each acapella group demonstrates astounding musicality, showmanship, creativity and sheer gumption.  If you have any appreciation of music whatsoever, I think you'll agree.  Here are some of my favorite performances thus far:

The Dartmouth Aires: Queen Medley

Urban Method: Airplanes

Opening Group Performance: The Rhythm of Love

Pentatonix: Love Lock Down

Afro Blue: Need You Now

North Shore: The Lazy Song

The show only has a few weeks left with five groups remaining, so jump on the Sing-Off bandwagon before it's too late.  And go ahead...sing along.