Singing Boston Strong: Spotlight on The Dear Abbeys

Back in 2011, I had this vision for an a cappella concert to benefit my husband's Boston Marathon run for Childrens Hospital. We called it Music for Miracles. When I put out the call to BU a cappella groups to help create this event, the Dear Abbeys were first in line to help.




In February of 1992, three gentlemen gathered to change the course of aca-history. Their goal: to create an all-male a cappella group at Boston University. After several attempts—and a few close calls—the Dear Abbeys of Boston University were born.

The idea was simple: assemble a small group of men who enjoy music, camaraderie and “no show-tunes”, arrange popular songs for voice, and sing.

Now—over 20 years later—the Abbeys have gained a reputation in the a cappella community for musical precision, complex and unique arrangements and an energetic style of live performance that’s difficult to match.

After winning the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA’s) in 2005, the Abbeys have performed in stadiums, on street corners and everywhere in between. Their unique style is frequently heard at weddings, corporate events, charity functions, high schools, and the greater Boston community.

Most recently, the group has focused on sharing their talents with students around the country. The Abbeys aim to inspire, inform and entertain—introducing young thinkers to the arts with the hope of initiating positive change.

Since 2005, the group has toured the U.S. and beyond, traveling to New Orleans and New Mexico, Alaska and Colombia. In the past they have been so lucky as to team up with musical heavyweights like Steven Tyler, Ben Folds, NOTA, Pentatonix and Ball in the House.

To date, the Abbeys have produced eight studio albums, four of which can be purchased on iTunes.

And when I put out the call for Singing Boston Strong: An Evening of A Cappella to Benefit Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital



The Abbeys said yes!!!



Here's their fun music video with a smash up of Toxic and Hold It Against Me



Donate to Greg's fund raising page and in the comments section write how many tickets you would like set aside. We will have them ready for you at the will call table. Minimum suggested donation/ticket is $10.

See you on Friday!

One Month From Today - Singing Boston Strong at Boston University

On 4/4/14 we will be rocking Boston University for Greg Gordon's Boston Marathon Fund Raiser: An Evening of A Cappella to Benefit Spaulding Rehab.

My friendship with Greg dates back to when we ran together on the 2009 Race for Rehab Team:

I ran his inaugural Brookline Symphony Orchestra 5K Fun Run and Walk in 2011 and we were reunited with our fellow team mate, TK:

Greg and I were together in the Mandarin on 4/15th as we were waiting for TK and other Race for Rehab members to come down Boylston Street.

Everyone was shaken to the core by the events of 4/15/13 when lives were forever changed. Many of the bombing survivors were treated at Spaulding Rehab Hospital.

As Boston and the world count down the days until the start of the 2014 Boston Marathon, we are counting down the days until Singing Boston Strong: An Evening of A Cappella to Benefit Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Boston University's Jacob Sleeper Auditorium

871 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA

7:00-9:00 pm

Hosted by Boston University's Premier all female a cappella group, Terpsichore

Featuring performances by:

Terpsichore

BU Dear Abbeys

In Achord

Tufts Jackson Jills

Bostonality, a post collegiate a cappella group

Minimum suggested donation is $10. Read Greg's inspiring and moving story as to why he is running Boston 2014, and make your donation to Greg Gordon's fund raising page. In the comments write "a cappella". We will have your tickets ready at the "will call" table.

From Greg's fund raising page:

"I’m running the 2014 Boston Marathon as a member of the Spaulding Rehab team!

The 2014 Marathon will surely be an emotional and history-making event in Boston. Spaulding's brand new facility in the Charlestown opened just two weeks after the bombings. The majority of those injured spent time at Spaulding as they recovered from their injuries. Spaulding’s mantra, “Find Your Strength”, has never been more appropriate, as Spaulding was there to help the survivors find their strength, and will be there for every patient who needs them in the future.

On a personal note, running this race this year for Spaulding is particularly important. I was at the Marathon last year and witnessed what took place. I know first-hand the importance of Spaulding’s work, as my younger sister suffered a traumatic brain injury six years ago. I know the value of a comprehensive rehab program and how it can affect a patient’s outcome.

I’m proud to represent Spaulding and look forward to running down Boylston Street on Patriot’s Day (hopefully in front of my friend Terry Kelly).

I would like to ask you to please support my run and make a donation to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. My goal is to raise $7,500 for Spaulding by April 21st.

Thank you very much for your support.

Greg"