Naturally 7 promises quality show, workshops

They can't read or write music, but the seven men who comprise Naturally 7, an internationally recognized gospel-based a capella group, learned to harmonize regardless. The group, whose only training is by ear, will perform jazz and R&B at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Wilson Hall Auditorium.

"Naturally 7 is a secular group, but gospel-based," the group's agent, Ralph Pavone, said. "All of their music has a really uplifting, positive message."

The group, which debuted five years ago with its first compact disc "Non-Fiction," was named The Harmony Sweepstakes A Capella Festival National Champions in 1999.

Naturally 7's second CD, "What Is It?," has not been released yet in the United States, but hit No. 1 on Germany's charts after its release in December.

"These guys are huge in Europe," Pavone said. "It's crazy, with fans screaming and ripping off clothing."

The members go by the nicknames Tweety Bird, Showtyme, G-Swing, J-Boogie, M.D., Sonny Jim and Father Time, according to the group's Web site, www.naturallyseven.com.

Into Hymn, JMU's all-female Christian a cappella group, and the OverTones, one of JMU's coed a cappella groups, will open the show.

"They want people to know they're really laid-back, and want to meet their fans," according to Pavone. "They want people to know that it's possible to be in show business and still be nice and kind to people."

Which is why, he said, Naturally 7 will hold a free one-hour vocal workshop at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Wilson Hall Auditorium. While it's not a performance, the public is welcome to watch. Student groups are welcome to prepare pieces to perform in front of Naturally 7 and then work on techniques together.

"We try to find events that students are interested in, and we try to find events that the community is interested in," said Jerry Weaver, executive assistant to the dean of the College of Arts & Letters. "People around here and on this campus are really interested in a cappella groups, and we wanted to work [Naturally 7's performance] in."

"Their visit is part educational and part a good show," Weaver added.

Naturally 7's performance is sponsored by the College of Arts & Letters Encore Series.

Tickets are available this week through the Wilson Hall Box Office from noon to 4 p.m. until Friday. All seats must be reserved. Tickets are not available at the door.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for children and JAC card holders. A Valentine's Day special allows JMU students to buy one ticket and receive a second one for free.

For more information or tickets call x8-7000.