It was pouring rain on Saturday night, but Brandeis students were determined to venture from their cozy, warm quarters to the dark, ominous Olin-Sang auditorium for what was an exceptional event. As soggy figures scurried into the room, the blurred words on the wall became visible -- "Battle of the Sexes: Brandeis' VoiceMale vs. BU Terpsichore" -- and all were pleased in anticipation of a wonderful show. From 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., these two a cappella groups sang with proficiency, power and soul to a full house of returning fans and excited newcomers.Although the advertisements boasted a "Battle of the Sexes," the concert was really an affable showcase of both groups' immense vocal talents. The hosts of the night, one of Brandeis' all male a cappella groups VoiceMale, began the show with their usual running entrance that always succeeds in energizing the audience. The 2001 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) New England Champions first sang a fast-paced, fervent rendition of Rockapella's "Fallin' Over You," demonstrating the strength and precision of the combined male voices of this group. Like proper gentlemen, after only one more song, VoiceMale gave the stage to its female guests, but promised to return later.

Boston University Terpsichore had just as much spunk and enthusiasm as the men. They consisted of 14 women all clad in black -- one, prepared for her surroundings, with a sign on her back stating, "Single and Jewish." At the start of their set, Ashley Nelson sang Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" in a firm, versatile voice. With amazing ease, she continuously went from gentle, soft notes to harsh, loud ones. Soon, the group showed off their dancing talents with a fun version of Madonna's "Cherish," sung by Shanna Spinello. Fully choreographed, this song echoed throughout the auditorium with people clapping and swaying along. After exposure to their precise singing and dancing, the group's name Terpsichore made sense, since its definition is the "Greek muse of dancing and choral singing."

After a brief intermission, BU Terpsichore took the stage again. Laura Metcalf, Miriam Greenbaum and Jenny Pinzari portrayed three angsty, bitter and pretentious popular music stars of today in a medley of Vanessa Carlton's "1000 Miles," Avril Lavigne's "Complicated" and Michelle Branch's "All You Wanted." The women demonstrated their fabulous sense of humor while each "star" tried to outdo the other, attempting to sing the loudest with periodic pushes and shoves to achieve the spotlight. It was a very clever, funny idea, but the superior vocal ability of the women was not overshadowed by the humor.

The entire performance of BU Terpsichore was thoroughly enjoyable, but Sara Chase stood out as the most powerful and gifted vocalist. She is a former ICCA solo winner and this recognition was well deserved. Although "American Idol" would be lucky to have her, she is too classy for the show.

VoiceMale returned as promised for four more songs and an encore (as usual). Max Ferguson '03 blew the audience away with his rendition of Robbie Williams' "Let Me Entertain You." His voice continues to have impressive range and a smooth depth. Every song he performs becomes an instant crowd-pleaser. Additionally, Drew Cohen '05 gave a particularly touching performance of Marc Cohn's "Walkin' In Memphis." The song seems to have a personal connection for him, or perhaps he is just an emotional vocalist. Either way, it was chillingly pleasing seeing the veins in Cohen's neck strain from his intense performance.

As the encore, one of the older members of the group, Seth Herring '03, graced the audience with his serene high-toned voice. After being in retirement for over a year, an old-school VoiceMale favorite, Seal's "Don't Cry," reappeared. Herring gave it his all and brought an angelic quality to the song. After graduation, his presence, along with Ferguson and Scotty Bones '03 will be sorely missed.

The energy and charisma of the men in VoiceMale proved a delight for all. Background vocals and facial expressions were especially fun. Furthermore, it could be argued that at present, they are definitely the most talented a cappella group on campus.

The combination of Brandeis' VoiceMale and BU Terpsichore can be summed up in a word -- wow!