Starry Nights will host "On the Rocks" concert

Sisters Starry Nights will host acclaimed University of Oregon men's a cappella vocal group "On the Rocks" (OTR) at the Sisters High School Auditorium for a special performance on Saturday, October 22. On the Rocks gained national fame and legions of loyal fans during their appearances on NBC's hit show "The Sing Off" last year.

The event is a benefit for the Sisters Schools Foundation, raising critical funds for classroom and co-curricular programs at Sisters Elementary, Middle and High Schools. The Sisters School District has had to cut more than $1.3 million from the budget since last year.

OTR has established itself as one of the top a cappella groups in the nation. Their repertoire ranges from contemporary pop, doo-wop classics, hip-hop, R&B, country, and holiday standards, as well as original songs. OTR can be heard singing every Friday at the University of Oregon's EMU amphitheater, and around campus at various events throughout the year. Aside from hosting quarterly concerts, they have toured the West and East Coasts, as well as Canada, and have performed with professional groups and collegiate groups alike all over the country.

In 2010, OTR met an unprecedented amount of success. After traveling to the East Coast that spring, two of their videos went viral on YouTube. First, their "Subway Rick Roll" video reached over one million views. Shortly after, their version of Lady Gaga's hit song "Bad Romance" reached over 7 million views and continues to reach an international audience.

The viral success of the group led to an appearance on "The Sing Off," where they were selected as one of the top 10 a cappella groups in the nation. The show aired in December 2010 and received rave reviews. Their performances were praised by both the audience and judges, being called "entertaining" and "exciting." OTR advanced to the semi-finals, earning them critical accolades and a dedicated fan base that now reaches from coast to coast.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with a silent auction, refreshments and entertainment by Sister High School musicians. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with an opening set by Divisi, the University of Oregon's award-winning women's a cappella vocal group. Divisi's roster currently features former Sisters High School student Hayley Valoppi, and their alumni roster includes former Outlaw Amanda Sarles. The SHS Jazz Choir will also make a special appearance.

"We are thrilled to have On the Rocks and Divisi here on the Starry Nights stage this year," said co-chair Jeri Fouts. "Their music and showmanship are going to make this an unforgettable night, something that will appeal to all ages. The harmonies, arrangements and choreography bring to mind the music of Glee - it's going to be so much fun, and a great way to support our schools during these challenging economic times."

Starry Nights events have raised close to $970,000 in net proceeds for the Sisters Schools Foundation since 1997. The volunteer-run organization produces concerts, plays and other fund-raising events to provide support to the Sisters School

District.

St. Charles Health System is the premier sponsor for "Starry Nights Presents On the Rocks." Other key sponsors include Sisters Les Schwab Tire Center, Bi-Mart, Combined Communications, The Nugget, XPress Printing and Gearbox.

All seats are reserved and tickets are available now. Tickets prices start at $20, and can be purchased online at http://www.sistersstarrynights.org or at the Starry Nights box office at Clearwater Gallery, located at the corner of Cascade Avenue and Pine Street in Sisters. For further information, contact [email protected]