It’s A Cappella — On The Rocks

They have come a long way in 25 years, and they have brought song, joy and a brotherhood that endures. All of it is on display Saturday at The Shedd when the University of Oregon-based On The Rocks a cappella group brings in the noise with the On The Rocks 25th Anniversary Alumni Show. From Billy Joel’s “For the Longest Time” to Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” and more from the nine albums On The Rocks has made through the years, the evening is a celebration of a rotating grassroots ensemble that has toured nationally and internationally and even been featured on the show “The Sing-Off.” In 2010, their cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” went viral — currently sitting at 12 million views. “It’s very special that they’re still making music,” says Peter Hollens, who, with Leo DaSilva, co-founded the group in 1999. “It’s so different, but still so great.” Adem Abdulhayoglu — the group’s current business manager, assistant music director and choreographer — notes that 62 alumni have confirmed they will participate in the show, joining the present-day 13-member crew. “It isn’t that hard to keep it going,” Abdulhayoglu says. “For us, it feels longstanding. It’s a tradition.” Speaking of tradition, Abdulhayoglu notes that On The Rocks will perform at its annual “In The Dark” concert Friday, June 6, at the courtyard of the UO’s Erb Memorial Union. After that, he adds, it’s off to work on the group’s 10th album.

On The Rocks 25th Anniversary Alumni Show is 7 pm Saturday, April 26, at The Shedd, 868 High Street. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 general admission. More information about On The Rocks is at UOonthe.rocks.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!