UW–Madison a cappella group to sing at White House

With their trademark red jackets, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s men’s a cappella group the MadHatters are an unmistakable sight on campus. Soon, they will also make their presence known in Washington, D.C. when they perform at the White House Dec. 7.

The 16 members of the MadHatters, a group which includes 15 singers and a vocal percussionist, sing golden oldies and current hits at events on campus, around Madison and beyond.

The White House first contacted the MadHatters, inviting the group to submit sample music as representatives of Wisconsin. The group was then invited to perform at a holiday reception for guests of the president and first lady.

“It was a really big surprise that they had heard of a UW–Madison student a cappella group,” says Kevin King, a tenor.

Being invited to perform in Washington, D.C. also came as a surprise for the group, King says. While the MadHatters have performed around the country and internationally, this is the first time the group will serenade a White House audience.

The group has performed at the Orpheum Theatre and the Overture Center, sang the national anthem at a sold-out Brewers-Cubs game at Miller Park, and appears at weddings, high schools and special events.

Singing at the White House is an honor for the MadHatters, King says.

“We’re just a group of guys from the Midwest who like to sing. We had no idea that we would have the opportunity to sing at the White House for such dignified people,” King says. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish without the support of the campus and our fans.”