Mixed Company, Stanford's oldest all-gender, all-genre a cappella group, has been singing pop, R&B, and everything in between for almost 40 years. Every year, we put on two major concerts: an anti-Valentine’s Day show called Love Sucks in February, and our Spring Show in May. We also perform throughout the year at other gigs on campus and around the Bay Area.
In 2022 and 2023, Mixed Company competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, and made it to the semifinals two years in a row. They were also awarded Best Choreography in the 2022 ICCA Quarterfinals, Best Arrangement in the 2023 ICCA Quarterfinals, and Best Vocal Percussion in the 2023 ICCA Semifinals. Mixed Company has also been featured on several college a cappella compilation albums, including Best of College A Cappella and Voices Only 2012. The group has also traveled to destinations such as New Orleans, San Diego, Boston, Los Angeles, Puerto Vallarta, and Hawaii for their spring tour, performing at other universities, children's hospitals, museums, and even on the streets of the city. In the past, Mixed Company has opened for Ben Folds at the L.A. Palladium.
Performing anything from Beyonce to Billy Joel, Mixed Company always brings their perfect blend of fun and professionalism to every occasion.
In 2022 and 2023, Mixed Company competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, and made it to the semifinals two years in a row. They were also awarded Best Choreography in the 2022 ICCA Quarterfinals, Best Arrangement in the 2023 ICCA Quarterfinals, and Best Vocal Percussion in the 2023 ICCA Semifinals. Mixed Company has also been featured on several college a cappella compilation albums, including Best of College A Cappella and Voices Only 2012. The group has also traveled to destinations such as New Orleans, San Diego, Boston, Los Angeles, Puerto Vallarta, and Hawaii for their spring tour, performing at other universities, children's hospitals, museums, and even on the streets of the city. In the past, Mixed Company has opened for Ben Folds at the L.A. Palladium.
Performing anything from Beyonce to Billy Joel, Mixed Company always brings their perfect blend of fun and professionalism to every occasion.
The History
Mixed Company was founded in the fall of 1985. The a cappella scene at Stanford at the time was limited to three groups: the all-male Mendicants and Fleet Street, and the all-female Counterpoint. Founding member Bonnie Zare, wanting to sing but dissatisfied with these options, posted flyers around campus soliciting anyone interested in joining a new “co-ed a cappella singing ensemble.” At about the same time, two other students, Gina DeLuca and Fritz Stewart, were thinking together about the potential coolness of a new, all-gender group. Bonnie beat Gina and Fritz to the poster punch,
but they all quickly joined together and auditioned for singers.
but they all quickly joined together and auditioned for singers.
Mixed Company soon became a popular presence on campus, performing frequently in dorms by the spring of 1986. The group's first album,
“The Loudest Voice Wins,” was recorded on campus in 1987 and featured a mix of studio tracks and live performances. Our signature concert – “Love Sucks,” the annual a cappella salute to Valentine’s Day – followed in 1988, and has been an increasingly popular tradition ever since. The group started out singing professional arrangements of pop standards, but quickly adopted original arrangements penned by Fritz and other members. Over the years, Mixed Company has seen many changes, but the groundwork laid by early members has helped the group retain a reputation for engaging live performances, cutting-edge recordings, creative and intricate arrangements, and a unique musical style that makes us not just another cover band,
but musicians in our own right.
“The Loudest Voice Wins,” was recorded on campus in 1987 and featured a mix of studio tracks and live performances. Our signature concert – “Love Sucks,” the annual a cappella salute to Valentine’s Day – followed in 1988, and has been an increasingly popular tradition ever since. The group started out singing professional arrangements of pop standards, but quickly adopted original arrangements penned by Fritz and other members. Over the years, Mixed Company has seen many changes, but the groundwork laid by early members has helped the group retain a reputation for engaging live performances, cutting-edge recordings, creative and intricate arrangements, and a unique musical style that makes us not just another cover band,
but musicians in our own right.