Noelle Clemente
Rip_Chord, Sweet Signatures, and Twisted Measure return for a second annual Push the Music. Whitley Auditorium filled up last Thursday night to support the philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi and listen to Elon’s a cappella best.
Push America was created by the men of Pi Kappa Phi; philanthropy to raise money for people with disabilities. The men of the Epsilon Alpha chapter at Elon began Push the Music last spring.
Ben Kaufman, junior, is hugely responsible for the event. “I always wanted the a cappella groups to perform together at Elon because all three groups seldom had the chance to do a show together. Being a member of Twisted Measure and becoming the philanthropy chair for Pi Kappa Phi last year, I saw an immediate connection.”
Last spring the three groups took to the stage for the first annual Push the Music. Kaufman said, “this time around, we had over 250 people in the audience from a much broader background.” Not just Greek life, but alumni, staff, and members of national Push America came out to support.
Jay Kahn, chapter president, and Bobby Hoppey, chapter treasurer, hosted the evening, welcoming the gentlemen of Rip_Chord to the stage first.
The all male a cappella group impressed the crowd singing three songs and filling the crowd with laughter. They proved yet again to have presence and personality.
Sweet Signatures followed with another impressive performance. Never ladies to disappoint, the crowd continued excitement for the evening with their four performances, including the ever-popular “Disturbia.”
Dave Knavel and Andrew Matznick from Push America headquarters in Charlotte thanked the audience for supporting the cause. Matznick spoke informing the audience of exactly what they were supporting by paying $5 for Push the Music. Kaufman said, “our national office is always a huge help to us and it was a real honor to have them pay us a visit to see the show and take part in it.”
Finally, Twisted Measure took the stage. The co-eds have entertained Elon for ten years. They did not disappoint with a great finale to the show. When Pi Kappa Phi brother Justin Hinote took the stage, it was heard loud and clear what the event was for.
All the proceeds from the evening went to PUSH America. The brothers, with the help of Elon’s a cappella groups raised $1,000 for Push America just from the show. “That $1000 is enough to fund an AccessAbility, where we design and construct a wheelchair ramp for a local resident who can’t afford one,” Kaufman said. “A one-hour a cappella show, then, could have just given a local resident a new shot at freedom. That’s the definition of success for me.”
