After Dark (Washington University in St. Louis)

After Dark (AD) is a co-ed a cappella group at Washington University in St. Louis specializing in contemporary rock and pop music.

History

After Dark has been singing at Washington University since September 2001. The group was founded by former members Laura Butler, Cara Shugoll, Greg Hitt, and Erin Hickey. After Dark has performed at various venues, including St. Louis University, University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin–Madison, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, on the nationally syndicated Steve & DC Morning Show, at the St. Louis Club, on MSNBC's Hardball during coverage of the 2004 Presidential Debates, and on CBS's The Early Show during the 2008 Vice-Presidential Debates.

In the spring of 2005, After Dark was awarded Midwest divisional runner-up at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella at the University of Illinois competition, where they also received the Outstanding Soloist award for Julie Kling's performance of “Gotta Be.” After Dark's runner-up position allowed the group to advance to the Midwest Semi-Finals of the competition. In August 2005, After Dark released its first studio album, entitled Whoa Bundy. The opening track, "I Want You Back," was chosen for the CAMO compilation Top Shelf A Cappella Volume II. After Dark's second studio album, Eclipse, was released in August 2007 to critical acclaim. The group's third album, Aftermath, was released in February 2011.

After Dark puts on an annual concert, "A Light From the Darkness," in Washington University's Graham Chapel each January. They hold auditions at the beginning of each fall semester. Since 2006, they have participated in an annual charitable benefit concert known as "Rhythms for Rebuilding."

Recent Recognition

After Dark's second studio album, "Eclipse," was released in August 2007, and reviewed by the Recorded A Cappella Review Board. The track "Snakes on a Plane [Bring It]" received a perfect score and was described as "one of the best tracks of the year" by reviewer Jevan Soo (RARB). Later, the song "Mama's Room" was chosen for the compilations "Voices Only 2007" (Voices Only) and "Sing IV" (SING). "Ready for Love" was chosen for "Voices Only 2008", and "Worn Me Down" was chosen for an AcaTunes Favorites award ([1]).

In 2008, After Dark was recognized by the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards, presented by the Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA), for tracks off Eclipse: "Mama's Room" won for Best Co-Ed Collegiate Song and was named runner-up for Best Co-Ed Collegiate Arrangement. Jazzy Danziger was nominated for the Best Mixed Solo Award for her performance of "Ready for Love" (CASA).