Arts + Entertainment

WNY a capella group rocks NBC’s ‘The Sing-Off’

blog by S.J. Velasquez • October 10, 2011 @ 10:28am

Caitlin Koch isn’t the only Western New York singer making waves on a nationally televised talent show. University of Rochester’s YellowJackets have impressed “The Sing-Off” judges and blasted past the competition in round one.

The YellowJackets, known for donning bright yellow blazers, are also recognized for their fun-loving stage performances and rich history in Rochester. The group was founded in the ‘50s as an all-male glee club. In the ‘80s, they transitioned to an a capella group.

YellowJacket crooner Matt Francis was born and raised in East Amherst, according to his biography on the group’s website. The bio also states, “Matt is envied by all because everything he touches turns to gold.” I’d say it’s more of a bright banana yellow hue.

Haha, get it? That was supposed to be a YellowJacket joke.

WBFO’s Eileen Buckley talked to Francis about the process of being asked to audition and appear on the NBC show. Francis and other members of the YellowJackets signed a contract prohibiting them from disclosing results from the show before the episodes air on NBC. Looks like we’ll have to wait and see how WNY’s own do on the show.

“The Sing-Off” airs Monday nights on NBC.

Photo courtesy of YellowJackets.org.

TAGGED: east amherst, nbc, rochester, the sing-off, university of rochester, yellowjackets