The “pitch perfect” stylings of The Beartones, Missouri State University’s premiere all-male a capella group, will take center stage at 7 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the West Plains Civic Center theater.

The free performance is hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains’ (MSU-WP) University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department.

About the Beartones

Formed in 2000, The Beartones are focused on musical excellence, brotherhood and a shared passion for performing, according to the group’s website, TheBeartones.com. They are renowned for their “polished” and “memorable” sets and have racked up numerous notable performances across the country.

The group’s 12 members come from a myriad of backgrounds, and not all are music majors. “Just because we’re a singing group doesn’t mean you have to be a music major to join,” they said on their website.

The Beartones’ competitive side

The Beartones frequently compete in the International Championship of Collegiate A Capella (ICCA) and have consistently placed at the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. Many times, they’ve earned such accolades as “Best Choreography.”

In 2009, the group placed first in the semifinal round and earned the right to compete in the international competition in New York City, where they placed third. In 2018, the group won the Midwest semifinals again, making them one of the top 10 international competing groups that year.

The concert in West Plains will be among the many performances they give to audiences in Springfield and throughout the state.

“We’re thrilled to have the Beartones on the civic center stage April 29,” said U/CP Director Brenda Polyard. “With medleys and harmonies crafted to the lyrics of some well-known and popular hits, audience members will be thoroughly entertained.”

For more information about the Beartones or other U/CP events, visit the website or call 417-255-7966.