20 Days ‘Til Xmas!

Our advent calendar continues with a review of last night’s Inter-Society Christmas Concert


Jazz, gospel and barbershop singing might seem like the unlikeliest of bedfellows, but the three joined forces again last night for the annual Christmas Concert.

Bristol University Jazz Orchestra (BUJO) got the night started with typical swagger, mixing standard jazz numbers with the occasional surprise. Even the conductor was caught out at one point when he was told the next song would be the ‘Theme from Family Guy’!

The end of their set was met with a few calls for an encore and BUJO were more than happy to oblige, treating everybody to an extra song before making way for the arrival of Revelation, the Christian rock gospel choir.

Photo: BUJO

Given the negative attention Christian groups have received at university this week, it was refreshing to see a group where clearly all participants are welcomed. Despite this policy though, there’s barely a dozen performers on what is quite a big ‘stage’. Obviously the recruitment drive hasn’t been entirely successful.

With no instrumentation, the group are purely reliant on their own voices and stage presence to fill the church. Whilst their technical ability has certainly improved from previous years, nerves seem to get the better of a few of them. The result is a performance that’s difficult to completely enjoy.

Should Revelation seek a lesson in showmanship, TUBBS have more than enough ‘swag’ to go round.

Synchronised shuffles and sways coupled with an air of confidence manage to make barbershop singing seem like the coolest thing in the world. No wonder this society keeps growing in numbers.

Photo: TUBBS

TUBBS also demonstrate startling strength in depth, switching from all-female to all-male material with ease. Although the audition group HOTTUBBS are the creme de la creme of the society, there’s clearly plenty of talent elsewhere too. Highlights include a re-tooled version of ‘Spiderman’ and the Disney classic ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight?’

The event ends, as it does every year, with carols and Christmas songs. Audience participation at this point is mandatory and it’s impossible not to get swept up by the positivity in the room.

After an extended series of thank you’s it’s off to the nearby Richmond for celebratory drinks. As usual the alcohol is accompanied by TUBBS members singing long into the night, much to the bewilderment of the few locals in the pub.

Money raised from the event went towards three charities, one of which was Live Life Then Give Life, in support of the #willpower organ donation campaign. To learn more about Will Pope and organ donation, read our previous article.

The organ donation register can be found here.