Acoustapalooza 2016

Tracey Cheek, Arts Editor

What do you get when you combine string lights, tapestries on the wall, and a ton of talented singers and musicians? You get the second annual Acoustapalooza, put on by SUNY Oneonta’s very own all-female acapella group, Pitch Slapped.

Acoustapalooza was held on Friday, February 19, in the Hunt Union Waterfront room. Pitch Slapped hosted the event and welcomed several other talented acoustic groups and solo artists.

Julia Rosa, Music Director of Pitch Slapped, was extremely happy with the turnout.

“I’m so happy to have such great musicians perform with us, and I’m extremely proud of all the girls in Pitch Slapped who have worked so hard to learn new music in a short period of time, and for decorating the Waterfront so nicely,” Rosa said.

The night kicked off with the ladies of Pitch Slapped covering “Settle Down” by Kimbra. Megan McGuinness and Rebecca Roffi were the lead vocalists, with the rest of the group all in perfect harmony covering this indie-pop song.

Following this song, Pitch Slapped welcomed a new rock band, Heeler Heeler, to the stage. Heeler Heeler consists of three music industry alum, Frank Funigiello, Nathaniel Wind, and Tyler O’Neil.  Funigiello was the lead vocalist and guitarist, Wind holds down the percussion, and O’Neil is also on guitar.

Acoustapalooza was Heeler Heeler’s first live performance as a group, and they set the bar high for more exciting shows in the future. Their original songs range from melancholy to upbeat, and the band expects to release music and play a lot more shows this year.

Secret Beaches was the next musical act to perform, and captivated the audience with their unique sound.  In addition to their hypnotizing songs, they were accompanied by visuals of Baywatch babes running along the beach. Members of Secret Beaches consist of students Jake Slade, Brian Gipson, Greg Chieco, and Justin Babbino, who describe the genre as “Lolli-Pop”.  Secret Beaches will be releasing an EP by the end of the semester.

The next act was a solo artist by the name of Genique, who serenaded the audience with original songs and old school R&B vibes. Genique writes love songs and accompanies her sultry voice with her talented piano playing.

The last group of performers that Pitch Slapped welcomed to the stage was Cadosia. Founded in Oneonta, Cadosia is an indie/folk duo with student Caitlin Weiner on cajón (percussion instrument played with hands) and recent grad Sarah Heikkinen on guitar. Both ladies sang original songs in perfect harmony and even had the crowd singing along.

Pitch Slapped took the stage to show the crowd how powerful an acapella group can truly be.  The ladies sang acoustic compositions of recent pop songs “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne, “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem and Rihanna, and “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith.

Elise North-Kirkman and Caitlin Weiner were soloists for “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore, and closed the show with another throwback.  Lauren Giacalone was the soloist for a mashup of Panic! At The Disco and Fall Out Boy songs “This Is Gospel” and “Sugar, We’re Going Down”.

Pitch Slapped president, Megan McGuinness, has high hopes for future Acoustapalooza festivals and is extremely grateful for all of the support.

“We love to collaborate with different organizations on campus, and I hope the tradition continues for many years to come,” McGuinness said.

Acoustapalooza is an annual event that highlights some of SUNY Oneonta’s talented musicians and welcomes other acoustic musicians from all over, so don’t miss out on the next festival!