thewalk/ARTS&STYLE
he Pennchants describe themselves as an “all ass-kicking, all volunteer firefighting, all vegetarian, all male a cappella group.” Started in 1989 by a few men in the Penn Glee Club who wanted an alternative to barbershop songs and stuffy dress codes, the Pennchants were an a cappella revolution. Today, their showmanship is legendary around campus. In keeping with their revolutionary roots, Pennchants concerts are anything but traditional. The group sings mash-ups of diverse songs ranging from Queen’s “Fat-Bottom Girls” to Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back.” Their audiences can be found cheering and laughing loudly. And when they aren’t performing locally, the Pennchants are singing on the road, entertaining fans at Cornell, NYU, and UVA. The group is famous not only for its incredible vocals, but also for its unconventional approach to fashion. President Andrew Green C’14 explains, “It’s the subtle details in the presentation of the show that make the difference between good and great.” And the costumes do make all the difference. The group’s style influences include Freddie Mercury, R. Kelly, and the Village People. Apart from the sailor suits and Boy Scout uniforms, the Pennchants’ most outrageous costumes include gold Speedos, a full-body leather dominatrix outfit, and a leopard print jacket signed on the inside by every president in Pennchants history. Green adds, “It’s hard to tell the difference between a superhero outfit and anything [we] normally wear during a show—except for maybe superheroes wear a little more spandex.”
What does the future hold for these brave sartorialminded singers? In the coming year, the Pennchants plan to perform at large events for non-profit organizations—and even at a wedding. Next year marks the Pennchants’ 25th anniversary, so plans are also underway for a grand show including alumni. No matter where they are, the Pennchants love performing together. Green reflects, “Most of my best memories at Penn have happened with this group, and the stories never end.” The Pennchants embody a unique brand of a cappella performance that has grown into a true Penn institution. (This page and previous) On Pennchants: Pennchants sweatshirts, Duds by Dudes; White pants, Dickie’s by Kmart; models’ own. On Micah Kaats: White jeans, Levi’s, model’s own. On CJ Gallopo: White jeans, True Religion, model’s own. (Opposite, clockwise from top left) Nascar Runner Riley Vroome ’14, Sailor Skateboarder Ryan Powers ’14, Construction Worker Alaric Qin ’15, Gold Speedoer CJ Gallopo ’14, Cowboy Micah Kaats ’14, Orange Pantsuit Wearer Spencer Jaffe ’16, Mr. President Andrew Green ’14 (The Talking Head Jacket has been passed down and signed by all presidents of the club.), Farmer Evan Kramer ’14, and 1980s Jake Meiner ’15. All costumes from RetroSpect and Philly AIDS Thrift.
16 THE WALK / SUMMER 2013