Greyscale, one of the premier vocal ensembles in the ETSU Department of Music, will present their first public performance of the semester live on Oct. 16, at the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City at 7:30 p.m.
The event will mark Greyscale’s third year presenting this concert series known as Java Jive, where students and members of the community can enjoy the smooth sound of Greyscale’s jazz and pop fusion harmony, while sipping coffee in a fun and relaxing environment.
Greyscale was first formed in the fall of 2013 with a select group of 12 vocalists — six women and six men — who aimed to create an all new genre of music combining jazz, folk, classical, and more contemporary styles.
Greyscale even got its name for this specific reason. As they like to say, “Not everything is in black and white.” Because members wanted to avoid being typecast in a particular category, they decided to represent the grey area of their music style in what their ensemble was to be called.
The incredible acappella group now comprises 13 student singers. Sopranos include Autumn Brown, Molly Ellson, and Elizabeth Painter; Altos: Meghan Clark, Emily Ducko, and Adrienne Hutton; Tenors: Nathaniel Couper, Derrick Epps, Matthew Hartgrove, and Christian Johnson; Basses: Maison Barnett, William McCart, and Joseph Smithdeal.
Under the direction of conductor Alan Stevens, Greyscale has become very loved by many students and a top choice for entertainment at ETSU.They have performed at several events on campus, such as the Distinguished President’s Trust Banquet, Open House and the Spring Fling.
“Let’s be honest, college can be stressful,” said Autumn Brown, a Greyscale performer, “So when given the chance to go to a fun event, why not sit down and breathe and listen to music. I know firsthand the overload we can feel sometimes from being in college.”
The group sung at the Blue Plum Festival in Johnson City and on WETS 89.5 Studio One, becoming a big hit in the local community as well.
“When we perform together we don’t have to put on a facade. We are genuinely happy to be singing together, and in all honesty when you enjoy the people you are with it’s easier to put on a show for an audience,” Brown said.
This Java Jive session is expected to be an even bigger success than it has been in the past, and it’s happening this Friday.
“I hope to see the Acoustic Coffee House and Next Door packed with ETSU students on Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m.,” Brown said, “Not only to see us, but the Appalachian State University group Higherground as they will be there performing as well.”
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