Pentatonix entertains fans with acapella Christmas classics
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Five voices. Infinite talent.
Of course, we’re referring to one of the most successful acapella groups to ever grace the music industry — Pentatonix.
After winning NBC’s The Sing-Off in 2011, PTX achieved unprecedented fame as the world welcomed raw skill over digital production. The group has since released a number of EPs and a self-titled album, but its biggest claim to fame remains its flawless execution of modernized Christmas classics. On Dec. 7, Philadelphia and its surrounding regions received a holiday treat when “A Pentatonix Christmas Tour” hit Tower Theater for an energetic night of season cheer.
As the lights went down and the harmonious tones of Pentatonix sounded from behind the black curtain, excited screams from the audience of Pentaholics (the group’s fanbase) filled the venue. Singing their jazzy version of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” PTX emerged onto the decorated stage of glittering trees, stockings and presents.
The group, consisting of Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kevin Olusola, Kirstin Maldonado and Matt Sallee, was dressed to the nines in coordinating black and grey ensembles, a testament to their consistent taste for style. Though fans were expecting something a bit more lavish from Grassi, who is known for fashion pieces like platform boots and bell bottom pants, he looked ever the gentleman in his fitted suit and newly-grown mustache.
As Pentatonix performed the uptempo favorites “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and “Let It Snow,” it was almost easy to forget there was no live band. Everything heard came straight from their vocals, or, in Olusola’s case, body. Literally a drum kit in human form, Olusola was the natural focus of the audience’s eyes as he beatboxed, stomped and smacked his chest to create a pounding rhythm. Though Olusola isn’t always front and center, Pentatonix would not be the same without him.
The same cannot quite be said for former member, Avi Kaplan, who parted ways with the group earlier this year to embark on a solo career. Kaplan, who sang bass, was replaced with Sallee for the Christmas tour. There’s no denying Kaplan’s talent and vocal abilities, especially in the lower register, but Sallee held his own and the group sounded no different than on previous tours.
Sallee may be new to the Pentatonix family, but fans have already welcomed him with open arms. They cheered during each solo and especially when he announced his entire family was in the crowd after driving hours from his home state of Maryland.
The evening continued with more Christmas classics like “Deck the Halls,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Carol of the Bells,” which Grassi absolutely shined in. As petite as he is, Grassi is a powerhouse. Using his enormous vocal range, he effortlessly transitioned from soft, soothing tones to some of the highest notes a human is capable of producing.
After “Little Drummer Boy” and “Up on the Housetop,” Grassi and Olusola found themselves alone on stage. The audience chuckled as the two contemplated forming their own band until they were interrupted by the catchy introduction of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Hoying, Maldonado and Sallee were in the audience, making their way to the front of the venue while taking selfies, dancing with fans and handing out presents. Grassi and Olusola joined the fun as well, much to the delight of those lucky enough to have floor seats.
An unexpected surprise took place after a brief 15-minute intermission. Though the show was technically part of “A Pentatonix Christmas Tour,” PTX wanted to give their Pentaholics a smorgasbord of music. The group performed a stunning set called the “Evolution of Michael Jackson,” which included hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC.”
As Hoying teased the next cover, anticipation from die-hard fans in the crowd was evident. They knew exactly what it was. He explained how this was the group’s most challenging cover to date, something they debated doing for almost five years. Then, in unison, “Is this the real life, is this just fantasy?”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” earned Pentatonix a standing ovation that night, and rightly so. For more than six minutes, their voices became the entirety of Queen, with Grassi perfectly executing the guitar solo.
That performance was certainly grand finale-worthy, but there was still some holiday cheer to be spread. Pentatonix brought the show back into the Christmas spirit with a fun, fast-paced version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” followed by a chilling rendition of “Mary, Did You Know?” which the group said was its favorite song to arrange.
The second half of the show ended with a mini dance party to NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” as the crowd, which consisted of every generation imaginable, got on their feet to clap along.
In true concert fashion, Pentatonix returned for an encore performance. Huddled around a single microphone, the group sang their original track “That’s Christmas To Me” to the silent, watching audience. You could hear a pin drop as the five sang about fireplaces, presents under the tree and childhood Christmases. Pentatonix closed out the show with its most popular cover to date, Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
If any fans had chills after the show as they trekked back to their cars, it wasn’t (entirely) from the cold. Those goosebumps were from the pure, unmatched talent they were lucky enough to bear witness to that evening. Keep up with Pentatonix at ptxofficial.com/home.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
