"Barenaked Voices” is Emory’s annual celebration of student a cappella music. In its eighth year the concert is hosted by Dr. Eric Nelson, Director of Choral Studies, and features Emory’s five student-led a cappella groups: AHANA A Cappella, known for its R&B music, Dooley Noted, the service a cappella group, Aural Pleasure, the oldest co-ed group, and The Gathering, an all-female group, in addition to the faculty-led Emory University Concert Choir. Each group performs three a cappella numbers capped by a surprise grand finale featuring all student vocalists. Years’ past finales include “Shout,” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
In addition to being a well-loved Emory tradition, donations collected at the concert benefit the Emory Student Counseling Center, which helps students find ways to cope with crises and ultimately grow from their experiences. The staff at the center also work with administrators, academic agencies, and other campus agencies to increase the effectiveness of student services in the area of mental health.