As part of Bates’ annual Winter Carnival, Gnomes Chapel came alive with the sound of Bates a cappella groups. The Deansmen, Man Ops, Crosstones, Merimanders and Take Note delivered a lively mix of songs to a packed student audience. Filled with students, the groups performed familiar songs, turning the chapel into a concert.
The set list covered a range of musical styles, from Take Note performing “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean, to the Deansmen performing Hozier’s “Work Song.”
A personal favorite was the Merimanders’ performance of TLC’s “No Scrub,” channeling themes of female solidarity around this Galentine’s season. And when the Crosstones began the opening notes of Lorde’s “Supercut,” a collective gasp went through the audience before many joined in, singing along.
“As a senior, this is probably one of the best, if not the best show I’ve ever seen from the group. The song choice was spectacular, I was really impressed by the range of choices and the timeliness of some of the pieces,” Sarah Lieber ‘26 said.
Throughout the night, audience members danced and sang along to the music. The showcase became a warm break from the monotony of the week and the winter weather.
Winter Carnival serves as a pick-me-up for students, hosted by Campus Activities and Traditions. This show reflected the week-long goal of lifting students’ spirits. As the final notes echoed through Gnome’s Chapel, the concert left a lasting impression, leaving Winter Carnival’s goal of warmth, energy and community on campus during Maine’s coldest months.
