MIT + LOGS = Success

Dressed in a bright colored blazer and a clashing patterned tie, the soloist steps out of the a cappella circle. As he sings the first line of “Everybody Talks” by the Neon Trees, the crowd responds immediately with a thunderous applause and cheers. This is the MIT Logarhythms.The premier all male a cappella group of Massachusets Institute of Technology, better known as the MIT Logs, was founded in the spring of 1949. Since then, the Logs have introduced various genres into the world of a cappella, including gospel, doo-wop and modern hits. It has performed at countless MIT events and other performances across the east coast. Their annual performance in Exeter this year, this past Friday, took place right before their final spring concert.“I have come to Exeter for every year since I joined MIT and the Logs so it has become a tradition,” Nate Kim, president of the MIT Logs, said. “I think Exeter invited us at some point a long time ago and then we saw that Exeter was one of our best audiences so we come by here every year now.”Kim explained what makes Exeter’s audience one of the group’s favorites to perform for.“You guys are very engaged and cheer so loud and that really adds to our energy,” Kim said. “We think that performances should be not just a one way thing but a mutual interaction where we entertain you guys through music and you bounce the positive energy to us and the energy bounces back and forth. That is what makes a really good concert.”Students who attended the event reflected upon the group’s performance. Upper Robert Conner explained that the MIT Logs has consistently been one of his favorite a cappella groups to perform in Exeter each year.“I have been to the MIT Logs for the past three years and they always come with the same level of energy,” he said. “The whole crowd always enjoys it and responds with loud cheers and an energetic photo session after the performance.”Conner felt that performances by groups like the MIT Logs has helped him relieve his stress and start the weekend in a relaxing manner. He said that the performance this year was especially more enjoyable as students recently took the SATs.Prep Michelle Lee similarly enjoyed the event and found the MIT Logs to be one of the best a capella groups she has ever watched. “I had not expected such a professional performance. It was another tier altogether from all the previous groups that had visited Exeter and explained why so many people showed up,” Lee said.Lee added that the song selections made the performance “well worth the hour.”“The singers voices synchronized extremely well, and at times it seemed as if there was even background music,” she said. “The soloists’ voices always matched the songs perfectly and you could almost feel the enthusiasm on the performers faces.”Lee said that next year, when the group returns for their annual concert, she will return to watch their performance again and bring her friends and dormmates to share the experience.Members of the MIT Logs said that the group will return next year with the same amount of enthusiasm and preparation.“You guys are a fantastic crowd, and that’s why we come to Exeter every year,” MIT sophomore and CD Manager Will Rutter said. “We will return next year with a whole new set of songs and another great performance.”Kim, who had his last performance in Exeter, expressed his gratitude for the Exeter students who came to support the group for the past years he visited.“I just want to say thank you so much,” he said. “Keep coming because the group will keep coming as long as you are there, and thank you so much for being an awesome audience.”