Drop the Mic, an annual a cappella event hosted by the Spirit of Southern, will take place at Switchyard in Hattiesburg on April 18 at 8 p.m.
Spirit of Southern (SOS) is USM’s premier pop a cappella group, and they have been preparing for this event all semester long. It is a combined event with Pearl River Community College’s a cappella group, The Voices. The performance will include several group numbers, and there will be a $10 cover charge. Some members will also perform solos and/or duets. This event also serves as a reunion for SOS alumni who return to perform during special songs that are on the setlist for this purpose every year.
One special song on the setlist for this year’s performance was arranged by SOS’s very own member of almost three years, Blake Tolbert. An inside joke between members inspired Tolbert to compose an a cappella mashup of “Faded” by Alan Walker and “Creepin” by Metro Boomin (ft. The Weeknd).
“It means the world to me that I get this opportunity to have SOS perform this piece and to perform with them!” Tolbert said.
As a choral music education major, he said this process has solidified not only his decision to pursue music but also his ability to succeed in doing so in the future.
“It’s really hard to believe in yourself as a musician, and I haven’t been in the game that long, but I am thankful for this talent God gave me to work with great people and do something I’ve come to love,” Tolbert added.
The main purpose of Drop the Mic is to provide an environment for SOS to show off and have fun performing the set they have worked on during the semester. SOS mainly performs at competitions and conferences, which limits the chances supporters of the group have to see its accomplishments. Unlike a competition or conference, SwitchYard provides a laid-back environment for students to relax and cheer their musically inclined friends on.
“I’m excited for us to be able to showcase what we’ve been working on to everyone,” said USM junior Aimee Schacherer, who is in her first year with SOS. “A lot of my friends are so busy, and they aren’t always able to make it to our performances. Drop the Mic gives the public a chance to see us perform in a more casual environment. I had so much fun watching my friends in SOS at Drop the Mic last year, and I’m thrilled to be on the stage this year!”
