Eugene’s Hult Center will host the 2014 West Quarterfinal International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) on Feb. 1. Try singing that in four-part harmony.
If you like musical puns, tight harmonies and vocal percussion, this could be your night. Although YouTube, “Glee” and “The Sing Off” have increased the popularity of college a cappella, the ICCA — which began in 1996 — is still the only international a cappella competition for college students.
Groups first compete in regional quarterfinal competitions, which is what the Hult Center is hosting on Friday. The top two groups go to a semi-final round, and those winners participate in the finals, which take place in New York City in April. The winning group is given the coveted “International Championship” title.
Each group has 12 minutes to impress the judges, who rate the performances on vocal performance, visual performance and subjective rank. Special awards are also given for outstanding soloist, outstanding arrangement, outstanding vocal percussion and outstanding choreography.
Friday’s lineup consists of UO’s own co-ed “Mind the Gap,” as well as “15 Miles West” from Western Oregon University, “Blue Light Special” and “The Sirens” from Linn-Benton Community College, “Dulcet Southern” from Southern Oregon University, “HeadBand” from Willamette University, “infrared” from University of Utah and “The Green Note” from Portland State University, with special guests, UO’s “On The Rocks.”
International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella: West Quarterfinal, Hult Center for the Performing Arts (7th Ave. and Willamette St.), $25, 7 p.m.
On campus
Feb. 2 UO Emerging Artist Series: Every year, exemplary students from UO School of Music and Dance are chosen to participate in this recital. Beall Concert Hall (961 E. 18th Ave.), free admission, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 Superbowl XLVIII Watch Party: Don’t have a TV in your dorm? LLC has got you covered with a Superbowl screening and pizza. Living-Learning Center South, Performance Hall (1455 E. 15th Ave.), free admission, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Off campus
Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 The Language Archive: See this comedy about a linguist who can speak 12 languages but doesn’t know how to talk to his wife. Very Little Theater (2350 Hilyard St.), $12 for Jan. 30 show, $17 for Jan. 31-Feb. 1 shows, 8 p.m.
Jan. 31 Last Friday ArtWalk: This month’s ArtWalk strolls through the Whiteaker Arts District in a guided tour of its 20 public works of art. Whiteaker Arts District (1172 W Second Ave.), free, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Feb. 1 Zion I with Sol: Enjoy a night of energetic electronic and hip-hop at the Masters of Ceremony Winter Tour, also with MKSMTH, Aileron and Eugene-based DJ, Undermind. WOW Hall (291 W. 8th Ave.), $15 in advance, $18 day of show, 9 p.m.
In Portland
Jan. 31 Cascade Festival of African Films: Grigris: Catch a screening of this Cannes-winning 2010 film about a partially paralyzed African man who dreams of becoming a dancer in his war-torn country, by African filmmaker Mahamat-Saleh Haroun. Hollywood Theater (4122 NE Sandy Blvd.), free admission, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 Laser Pink Floyd: See a choreographed laser light show to Pink Floyd’s The Wall. OMSI Planetarium (1945 SE Water Ave.), $7.50, 9:30 p.m.
Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 Portland Seafood and Wine Festival: Enjoy fresh Oregon seafood, wine and live music. Oregon Convention Center (777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.), $12, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Feb. 1 USS Improvise: Watch the improv troupe, “The Unscriptables” spoof Star Trek in “The Next Generation the Musical.” Funhouse Lounge (2432 SE 11th Ave.), 21 and over, $10, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 “Come As You Are” – ’90s Dance Flashback: Grab your jean jacket for a night of dancing to the music videos of Nirvana, Snoop Dog and Matchbox Twenty. Crystal Ballroom (1332 W Burnside), 21 and over, $6, 9 p.m.