Hats off to Saint Louis University’s all male a cappella group, Bare Naked Statues (BNS), who are headed to compete in New York City at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA). The group clenched their spot in the national finals by winning first place this past weekend in the Midwest ICCA Semifinal at Illinois State University.
Their show-stopping performances included renditions of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up,” Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love” and Little Feat’s “Let It Roll.” BNS went up against stiff competition during semifinals, including the Missouri State Beartones and The Stereotypes, but stellar solos and an amazing stage presence helped them rise to the top. This was the first year BNS made it to the ICCA semifinals, so going to finals is an unprecedented accomplishment.
Sean Binkley, former president and current public relations consultant of BNS, gave his thoughts on their amazing achievements. “I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished. We worked hard as a team, rehearsed like crazy and thankfully it all worked out for us. I couldn’t have chosen 12 better men to share that win with than the Statues,” said Binkley.
The next step for BNS is taking the stage at the ICCA Finals on Saturday, April 26. This will be a first for the a cappella group, which was founded at SLU in 2000. While the group prepares for the ICCA Finals they are also gathering the funds needed for their trip out to New York. BNS has asked SGA for emergency spot funding, which should cover the bulk of the expenses.
Just in case a little extra is needed to supplement the trip, BNS has planned a profit share at Pickleman’s on Tuesday, April 15. Show your support for SLU’s amazing all male a cappella group and swing by Pickleman’s from 5-8 p.m.
