The unmistakable red Wisconsin jackets. A beat that you can't help but stomp to. A group of guys that bring the meaning of entertainment to a whole new level. Who are they? You've got it, the University of Wisconsin Madhatters.
The first of their kind on the UW-Madison campus, this a cappella group began its successful journey in 1997. Since then, they have established a distinguished sound, and have impressed audiences with the humor and soul that comes along with it. This Friday, the distinguished Madhatters will perform their annual fall concert at the Orpheum Theatre.
Though tradition is what maintains their unique identity, the Madhatters weren't afraid to make some changes in hopes to improve. The Madhatters' audition process is competitive, and they traditionally only replace the voices that graduate. But this year's crop of talent was so impressive, the group added more vocalists than usual. Now composed of 17 singers, the Madhatters are taking on even bigger challenges.
Never before has the group produced more than one album every two years, but that tradition will be broken Friday with the release of their second album this year. Furthermore, this Friday marks the release of their first Christmas album, Cheer on Tap.
Past albums have consistently been met with national awards and recognition. A track from their debut album, State Street, received a spot on Best of College A Cappella 2002, an album compiled by the Varsity Vocals and Contemporary A Cappella Society every year. Their second album, Fridays After Class, became a ""best seller"" on a cappella websites worldwide. Needless to say, Cheer On Tap brings high expectations and excitement to its release Friday.
Designing the Christmas album was a big commitment. According to junior Rogelio Becerra-Ramirez, ""none of this could've happened"" without the work of production manager David Redick and music director Miles Comiskey. The two methodically planned and composed the album which includes ""a wide range of songs from modern upbeat to slower, more traditional songs,"" Becerra-Ramirez said. The Madhatters intend to capture ""the holiday cheer,"" senior beatboxer Andrew Fitzpatrick added.
But the album does not solely consist of well-known holiday music. Unique to Cheer on Tap is a Madhatter original, ""Wisconsin Christmas."" With the Madhatters singing about cities they have lived in, performed in and been in, ""Wisconsin Christmas"" presents the state its finest. The group has promised to perform at least five songs from Cheer on Tap at the show.
Watching the Madhatters rehearse for the show is almost as exciting as watching them perform in concert, and their energy is impossible to miss. Whether they were sitting or standing, they were constantly moving. They were tapping their feet, snapping their fingers and pacing throughout the rehearsal, making it look effortless all the while. Their desire for perfection, and the pride they have in each song they perform, was evident throughout their rehearsal, and is sure to be visible at the fall concert as well.
Though they have over 15 songs prepared for the show, ""Only three of the songs in the concert have been heard before,"" Comiskey said. This is a different approach than they have taken in the past, where audiences can usually recognize at least half of the Madhatters' signature songs in every concert. Though most excited about their debut of the Bill Withers song,""Ain't No Sunshine,"" the group warned the audience to be prepared for anything from oldies to modern jams like Katy Perry's ""Teenage Dream.""
Tickets for the show are $15, but in honor of the holiday season, the Madhatters have decided to donate a third of all sales to the Madison Public School Music Program. Comiskey expressed their desire to support music beyond campus recognizing that these programs are what ""infuse the group with new singers.""
Do not underestimate the amount of work that went into both the fall concert and Cheer on Tap. With a passion for their music, a dedication to the group and a concern that each individual will perfect his part, the Madhatters' talent will undoubtedly shine through in their seemingly effortless performance. With Redick's promise to ""re-define the musical spectrum of holiday songs,"" Friday's performance will undoubtedly bring in new fans while continuing to leave their dedicated ones in awe.
