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Bubs dazzle Hong Kong alumni
April 26, 2012
On April 2nd, newly admitted students, parents, and alumni in Hong Kong were treated to a visit from the Beelzebubs who were asked to perform for the Tufts community in Asia, from Hong Kong to Seoul to Tokyo to Bangkok, welcoming new Jumbos to the fold.
“It was an incredible trip,” says Bubs business manager, Michael Grant, A14, full of “fascinating cultural destinations and exhilarating performances.”
More than 3,000 fans cheer on the Bubs as they sing Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" |
Far-reaching fame
The Bubs became an international sensation after a successful run on NBC’s The Sing-Off in 2009 and have since been featured on episodes of and soundtracks to the hit show Glee. As seen in this video at the A Cappella Extravaganza at Hong Kong’s Elizabeth Stadium where more than 3,000 fans screamed and cheered, their fame preceded them.
The stopover was hosted by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) thanks to the efforts of Joyce Tam, A03.
Grant says that performing at an alumni event in a foreign country is a fantastic experience. “It lets you understand how far-reaching Tufts can be, and that the experience we have as undergraduates in our campus bubble is only one piece of the puzzle.”
The alumni reception took place at the scenic Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, generously provided by Dennis and Jully Tin, both A10P, MG11P, and coordinated by Denise Ho, A05. Adds Grant, “The Hong Kong alumni audience was the most diverse I had ever sung for. It featured ex-pats living abroad, accepted students, alumni of all eras, and vacationing Americans. All of this, silhouetted against the Hong Kong skyline, made for quite a unique experience.”
“Our little city”
Performances from the Bubs’ 2011 album Battle, featuring songs by U2, 30 Seconds to Mars, Cee Lo Green, and Mumford and Sons, among other artists, set a lively tone to the night and gave admitted students like Emily Williams, A16, (who, in true Tufts tradition, was brought up on stage to be serenaded by all fourteen singers) a taste of Tufts’ inclusive nature and vibrant campus culture.
"We felt fortunate to have a private viewing of a world renowned a cappella group in our little city on the other side of the world,” says Ash Gupta, A07. Prior to the reception, the Bubs were hosted by Raymond Tang, A72, J01P, A08P, a former Bub himself, for an afternoon of lunch, a cappella talk, and a connection of Bubs generations. The group also provided a Fun through Song vocal workshop for students in HKFYG to practice their a cappella singing. “We're very appreciative of any time we get to share our music and Fun through Song with foreign audiences!” adds Grant.
Of her volunteerism for Tufts Alumni, event coordinator Ho says she enjoys helping Tufts continue to be a part of alumni life after graduation—especially for special performances by beloved a cappella groups that bring campus traditions to alumni hometowns. “Plus, I love working with my fellow Tufts graduates in Hong Kong,” she adds. “It is a good excuse to see old friends more often.”
Emily Williams, A16, gets a special welcome to Tufts
On the horizon
Miss the Bubs in Hong Kong? Catch them and other favorite Tufts musical groups at Alumni Weekend, May 17-20, as they make appearances throughout the weekend.
“The Bubs have a long tradition performing at Tufts Night at the Pops, dating all the way back to the group's inception,” says Grant. “[Symphony Hall is] an awesome venue with so many Tufts alumni in the crowd, so we always enjoy our time there.”
And don’t forget the candlelight ceremony on the eve of commencement. It’s your time to shine your light on the newest alumni who will soon walk from the Hill into the world.
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