Of special note: A cappella festival to benefit Emerson Health

“If I cannot fly,” said Stephen Sondheim, “let me sing.” 

Several area a cappella groups will do just that when they fill 51 Walden Performing Arts Center with melody, harmony, and rhythm at the eighth annual EmerSong on Saturday, March 7. 

The a cappella festival will benefit Emerson Health’s Behavioral and Mental Health services. Performances are at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Featured at the event will be high school and college groups, along with adult a cappella ensembles composed of members from Acton and nearby towns. 

Acton-Carlisle High School’s Take Notes, Lexington High School’s Peanut Butter & Jelly, Weston High School’s Pralines, Brandeis University’s Up the Octave, the Radcliffe Pitches, and The Works will perform at the matinee. 

The evening show will feature The Works, Broadband, Tufts University’s sQ!, Take Notes, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Brandeis University’s VoiceMale, and the Amherst College Zumbyes. 

Returning to emcee the festival for the eighth time will be Acton resident Tom Rutledge. Seating is cabaret style, and the festival will offer snacks, soft drinks, and a cash bar at the evening show.

A cappella singing, in which vocalists perform without instrumental accompaniment, is challenging, requiring high levels of control, pitch accuracy, and the ability to meld with other voices. 

Steve Reider, director of Behavioral Health at Emerson Hospital, calls the festival “an uplifting community event.” He adds, “Music is proven to reduce anxiety and support mental health, and we are proud to benefit from EmerSong.”

EmerSong’s sponsors include Emerson Health President and CEO Christine Schuster; P. Sutherland Group; Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest; The Thoreau Club; ’Wiched Generation Podcast, Westford Kiwanis; and Emerson Health. 

Tickets for the festival are $35. Advanced purchase is recommended. For more info, visit emersonhealth.org/emersong.