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Women of the World, a phenomenal Boston-based a capella ensemble, comes to the Freight as part of the Women’s A Capella Association’s fourth annual SheSings Festival. Women of the World features founder Ayumi Ueda, a Berklee College of Music alumna from Japan, Giorgia Renosto from Italy, Annette Philip from India, and Débòrah Pierre from the United States by way of Haiti. These four shining talents celebrate the power of music and the beauty of diversity. “We sing not just for tolerance,” they proclaim on their website, “but for wisdom, respect, and joy.”

Nominated for Boston Music Awards and Independent Music Awards, winners of the 2014 Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival, the longest running a cappella competition in America, the group has sung in 29 languages and performed music from Bulgaria, Cuba, Brazil, Turkey, India, Africa, and Japan. They’ve played Carnegie Hall and the Blue Note, and worked with such artists as Bobby McFerrin, Angelique Kidjo, Mario Frangoulis, and the Boston Pops. “These young and talented women bring together diverse and powerful international music, their commitment to building community, and their belief that love is essential,” says master vocalist Rhiannon. “They have it! For each other and the world.”

VXN members Anna, Holli, Jessie, Lauren and Meron first crossed paths when all five were living in New York City in 2012. Hailing from impressive collegiate backgrounds, it didn't take long to find their way to Empire A Cappella, New York City's premiere all female CAL [Contremporary A Cappella League] group. Although life has since moved Meron to Los Angeles and Holli to DC, the girls were unwilling to let a few miles keep them apart. It was on one of many bicoastal visits - this time in Los Angeles for LAAF 2014 - that VXN was born. The all-female vocal group solidified their fresh, fierce and fearless sound in person for the first time in June 2014.

On a rainy Friday at 4pm in the fall of 2001, Eight Ladies & A Beau Tie performed for the first time at the University of Oregon’s Erb Memorial Union. Just three months later the Eight Ladies traded in their Beau Tie for ties of their own to become the University’s premier female a cappella group. Divisi, over the past 12 years, has grown from the roots of these original members, united by a common love of music and friendship.

True Life Trio performs riveting vocal harmonies from Eastern Europe, the Americas & beyond. This innovative trio explores the creative possibilities of cross-fertilization of different traditions with unlikely timbres connecting Bulgaria to the Bayou.  TLT’s improvisation-laced repertoire includes original songs and folk tunes from far-flung lands such as Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Macedonia, Mexico, Poland, Ukraine and the American South. Featuring the powerful vocal talents of three dynamic performers whose musical collaboration was forged in Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble, this Bay Area based trio delves deep into a vast array of folk music that lends itself to three-part vocal harmony, massaging and expanding the boundaries of these traditional styles. The result is a sweet, sonic explosion that melts in the listener’s ear and that is uniquely True Life Trio.

Vocal Rush is a three-time national champion a cappella ensemble based out of Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) and comprised of singers ages 15-18. Combining passion, talent and dedication, along with the vision of director/founder Lisa Forkish, Vocal Rush has become one of the most respected high school a cappella groups in the U.S. since their inception in March, 2011. Before joining the renowned School of Vocal Music faculty at OSA, led by chair/founder Cava Menzies, Forkish was music director for the University of Oregon’s award-winning a cappella group Divisi, featured in Mickey Rapkin’s book “Pitch Perfect,” later made into the box-office smash film. Vocal Rush has received numerous accolades, including national championship titles in 2012, 2013 and 2015, a first place win at the L.A. A Cappella Festival, and in 2013, a third place win on NBC’s hit a cappella competition show, “The Sing-Off.” Past members of Vocal Rush have performed for President Obama as well as OSA founder, California Governor Jerry Brown. Vocal Rush has released three CDs, “The Beginning”  and “Shatter,” both nominated for numerous Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards, including Best High School Album. The ensemble has the soulful stage presence and urban swag that reflects all that is unique to OSA and sets them apart in the a cappella scene. Vocal Rush brings to life the heart and soul of Oakland School for the Arts, putting their all into every performance. See these young singers in action at www.youtube.com/osavocalrush.

visit the Women of the World website

visit the VXN website

visit the Divisi website

visit the True Life Trio website

visit the Vocal Rush website

visit the Women's A Cappella Association website