Georgetown University celebrated its 53rd annual Cherry Tree Massacre in Gaston Hall on Feb. 6. The long-standing tradition is cordially hosted each year by the talented Georgetown Chimes, who opened and closed the show. The show completed its first showing last weekend, featuring an array of a cappella groups from Georgetown as well as other universities, including American University and the University of Virginia. The next and last showing is scheduled for Feb. 21.
The evening’s tone was quickly set by the Chimes’ energetic opening, with each singer sporting their classic attire of suits and striped ties. Their opening routine showcased the group’s historical barbershop roots, transporting the audience to another time. Their stage presence was expressive and engaging, never tripping over lulls or awkward transitions. The performance’s overall cohesiveness was pulled together with their range in sound and the addition of percussive elements, such as snapping. With 80 years of experience, they set a difficult act to follow, which may have been why the next group seemed to need a little more practice.
The American University all-female a cappella group, founded in 2004, was the first non-Georgetown group to perform. Though they were visually organized, wearing all black outfits with pink heels, the group lacked unity in their vocals, particularly in their cover of Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten,” which oftentimes felt strained.
Shifting the show’s tone, next on stage was Georgetown Superfood. They chose three songs, each one featuring a different lead singer who excelled in their execution. The group clearly trusted one another, permitting their talent to reach its full potential. The group’s finale was “Ribs” by Lorde, and it felt like a testament to the singers’ dedication and commitment to the performance. A particular standout was their beatboxer, who anchored the song. The performers’ authentic collaboration only made their performance all the more meaningful and enjoyable.
The Georgetown GraceNotes offered incomparable entertainment. Clad in navy blue, the all-female ensemble showcased particularly elegant vocal blending and stage presence. Ruby Gilmore’s (SFS ‘26) lead performance singing “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” by Olivia Dean stood out for its incredible poise and vocal control. The group’s subsequent songs were no less enjoyable, maintaining both cohesion and warmth of tone.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly when the GraceNotes and the Chimes performed together. Their performance was introduced in a comedic encore sequence, culminating in a collaborative performance with a retro, call-and-response dynamic. Their historical relationship and mutual respect were demonstrated in a The Andrew Sisters medley with playful competitiveness. Full of controlled tension, both a cappella groups stood their ground without overtaking the other, sharing the stage cleverly with an overall entertaining four minutes before concluding to intermission.
Returning after the show’s intermission, the Chimes reset the room’s energy with humor, honoring their tradition of singing “If I Were Not a Georgetown Chime” before yielding the stage to the Georgetown Phantoms. Performing in perfect coordination, the Phantoms were neither lacking in energy nor talent. Their second song choice, “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis, was performed with consistent strength and stability, ending their time on stage with a satisfying finale.
Traveling two hours to perform, the Virginia Belles from the University of Virginia held their own among the Georgetown groups. Among the songs they performed that displayed their pop-centered vocals, the all-female a cappella group masterfully covered Madonna’s “Material Girl.” They were solid and prepared, delivering an overall successful performance.
The Chimes claimed the stage for the final time with an even stronger presence. Before their last performances, the Georgetown Chimes’ four seniors were honored by their fellow a cappella brothers. The group sang a mashup of Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away” and “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan, which was a highly memorable part of the night with their unified mastery of a complex feat.
One of the last songs the Chimes sang was a choral song titled “Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go.” The shift from contemporary to classical revealed why the group has such a recognizable name on campus: their incredible talent and mastery across nearly every genre. Their heartfelt closing ceremony brought together not just the core group but the entire Chimes ensemble onstage. Singing the Georgetown chant, the night ended with Blue and Gray pride and a newfound appreciation for a cappella in the air.
