Despite its reputation, Winter Carnival is not all about the icy outdoors. For those seeking a warm alternative, live performances and video screenings are offered, the highlight of which is Winter WhingDing.
A long-standing Carnival tradition, Winter WhingDing will be hosted by the Dartmouth Subtleties, an all-female group, Friday at 8 p.m. in Spaulding Auditorium. Advertised for "the noise, the funk, the sass," the concert is sure to heat up the night.
The Subtleties will be joined by the Dartmouth Dodecaphonics and the Brown Derbies. The "Dodecs," Dartmouth's oldest co-ed a cappella group, specializes in singing contemporary pop music, according to their website.
The show, however, is not limited to Dartmouth talent. The Brown Derbies, an all-male a cappella group from Brown University, is joining the Subtleties and the Dodecs in the Friday performance. Currently, the Brown Derbies have 23 songs in their repertoire, ranging from Seal to Avril Lavigne.
The Hopkins Center selected the Subtleties to host Winter WhingDing. One a cappella group is allowed to host a show per term in Spaulding Auditorium, according to Subtleties president Elizabeth Ranson.
"The groups audition to become part of a rotation. Currently eight groups are in the rotation, so a group gets to host approximately once every eight terms," Ranson said.
The Subtleties are not novices at organizing the Winter WhingDing, having hosted the concert previously in winter 2003, Ranson said. Working with the Dodecs is another source of excitement for the Subtleties.
"We were a guest group in Spring Sing '01," hosted by the Dodecs," Ranson said. "It's fun to now have them back as our guest group."
According to Ranson, the Subtleties will woo the audience with new songs at the concert. For those who prefer traditional Subtleties material, Ranson said the group will include "a few old favorites."
Although the concert is performed by singing groups, some songs will be paired with choreography. The entertainment value of the show will be further amplified by the emcees -- Cole Entress and Becky Groves of comedy group Casual Thursday -- who "also do their own humorous bits."
"WhingDing promises to be a great show: all three groups are talented, with diverse sets and choreography. We also have hilarious and creative emcees," Ranson said.