If you’ve watched NBC’s primetime show The Sing-Off, you’re probably familiar with the Minnesota-based group Home Free. What you might not know is that two members of the group have ties to Gustavus Adolphus College.
Chris Rupp, the group’s musical director and baritone, studied for three years at Gustavus before earning his degree from Minnesota State, Mankato in music performance with an emphasis in vocal and piano. Chris’ younger brother Adam Rupp, the group’s vocal percussionist, graduated from Gustavus in 2004 with a music performance degree in trumpet.
The Sing-Off showcases the country’s top a cappella groups, which are competing for a recording contract and a cash prize of $100,000. The program is hosted by Nick Lachey, while Jewel, Ben Folds from Ben Folds Five, and Shawn Stockman from Boyz II Men serve as judges. Ten groups started the competition when this season premiered on Monday, Dec. 9. So far, four of the ten groups have been eliminated while Home Free remains in the competition. The next episodes of the show will air on Wednesday, Dec. 18 and Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.
The group is currently in the middle of its Holiday Tour, which includes several performances in the Midwest. The group will perform at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato on Sunday, Dec. 22. Tickets and more information about the group are available on its website at homefreevocalband.com.
Here is a YouTube video of the group singing a cover of Wake Me Up:
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