MIT Logarhythms Hit Exeter Friday
A packed assembly hall full of excited students exploded in cheers and applause as the MIT Logarhythms ran up to the stage with their colorful shirt-tie combinations on Friday.
For the past few years, the MIT Logarhythms, MIT’s award-winning all-male a cappella group, have traditionally held a concert during spring term, providing a nice break for students in the midst of standardized testing and 333’s. This year’s concert featured a playlist with popular and familiar songs, including choices such as Beyoncé’s Countdown and Jason Mraz’s I Won’t Give Up. In addition, a special part of the performance included a birthday serenade to senior Adela Locsin.
The MIT Logarhythms were formed in 1948 and have maintained a tradition of excellence in a cappella for 65 years, singing all genres ranging from mainstream pop to R&B for a wide variety of audiences.
This year, the Logs were back at Exeter with 18 members including a new class of freshmen. Many students were eager to welcome the group back to campus.
"It was as if we were going to a big celebrity concert because we waited outside the door before it actually began, and then everyone rushed in the moment the doors opened," senior Cherry Zhang said. "They were definitely more active and funny than I thought. I really liked the way they ran up the stage."
Locsin was presently surprised by the birthday serenade. "The serenade was all thanks to my friend, Jamie Lee. She emailed the Logs about a month before they came to campus because she realized that my birthday was the week before they came," Locsin said. "It was a total surprise; I had no idea she was going to do it."
The students who attended the concert said that the Logs made their mark on the list of best-visiting performances this year.
"The MIT Logs were very enthusiastic, chose up-to-date songs, and were on pitch. Their birthday present to Adela was adorable. They chose the perfect song for it, too," lower Annie Choi said.
Upper Lloyd Feng agreed. "I attended the event because I enjoy good music. I watched their performance at Exeter last year, which was quite good. They did a great job at electrifying the audience. Most, if not all of the songs that they performed, were familiar," he said.
MIT Logs President Anthony Thomas believes that one aspect of their performance sets them apart from other college a cappella groups. "What differentiates the Logs from other a cappella groups is our desire to have fun! That's the most important thing to us if we're having fun then the audience will be too," Thomas said.
Choi, who sings in a cappella groups on campus, agreed. "They are more performance-oriented and are comfortable with interacting with the audience, unlike the student groups here," she said.
After the concert, the foyer of the Academy Building filled with students who wanted to take photos and purchase CDs from the Logs members. All in all, the Logs were a sensation at Exeter as the photos on Facebook and numerous conversations afterward showed.
"The Logs are always one of the highlights of the school year. They have a really large range of songs, and I think that’s why so many people come to their show, not to mention that they’re easy on the eyes," Locsin said.
Although the music that they create is extraordinary, Thomas emphasized the sense of connection and friendship that brings together the Logs.
"To me and the other Logs, the group means family. Logs is a group of people that does more than just sing together. We help each other grow and become better people," Thomas said. "My best friends are people who I met through Logs, and the group is by far the most defining experience of our college careers."