Ladies First present year-end show

Tonight, IU's premier women's a cappella group, Ladies First, will perform for the last time this year with all of its members. For those who are unfamiliar with the group, Ladies First began three years ago, when Natalie Perkins and Sarah Gibson founded the group in the fall of 1999 with the assistance of Walter Shilanskas, director emeritus of Straight No Chaser. The group of 10 women gained sponsorship from the IU Alumni Association in spring of 1999. \nIn the beginning, the group's members didn't know one another at all, but they managed to pull together quickly to publicize Ladies First. Senior member Gina Guido said she remembers singing for fraternities and sororities who didn't know who they were, but still loved their dinner entertainment.\nToday, Ladies First often rehearses more than eight hours a week. These rehearsals are between weekly performances both at IU and road shows across the country. They have performed in California, Florida, Arizona and Ohio. \nIn their short history as a woman's a cappella group, they have accomplished much to make the campus proud. They have already produced two CDs, including their latest album, Ticket to Anywhere, which was awarded the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award for Best Female Collegiate Album. \nTomorrow night's concert is very special. They will be premiering a number of new songs at the show, including some by artists No Doubt, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow and Faith Hill. Also, this is the last full-length show for senior members and the last show for the original members of Ladies First. \nThe Ladies First members who will not be returning next year include seniors Nora Colwell, Stephanie Geber, Annmarie LaRocca, Alissa Koenig and Gina Guido. All the members leaving the group said they are tremendously sad because they love each other like sisters.\n"Ladies First has been an incredible growing experience," said director and senior member Colwell. "I have gained a lot of leadership skills and I have really developed as a musician. I will miss this group incredibly. These girls have been my best friends and my support system since the beginning. I love them with all my heart." \nGeber said she shares Colwell's sentiment.\n"This group has been an incredible outlet for me," she said. "I have enjoyed performing at IU with Ladies First more than anything." \nIt's hard to believe the group has come so far in just three years together, and Ladies First has no plans of stopping now. Ladies First continues to recruit new and talented members from all over campus, but tomorrow night is the last chance to see the group's founders sing together as sisters.\nThe concert is 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 23. The performance will be held at Willkie Auditorium and tickets are being sold at the door for $5. For advance tickets, e-mail iuladies@indiana.edu.