About Us
Mixed Company, Stanford's oldest co-ed a cappella group, performs pop, rock, and everything in between. The group has been featured on several college a cappella compilation albums, including Best of College A Cappella and, most recently, Voices Only 2012. Mixed Company also recently completed their 14th studio album, BLACKOUT, and is currently working on recording their 15th album! Last spring, the group went on a service-through-singing tour in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, performing for various schools and orphanages. In the past, Mixed Company has opened for Ben Folds at the L.A. Palladium. Performing anything from Gavin DeGraw to David Guetta to Queen, Mixed Company always brings their perfect blend of fun and professionalism to every occasion.
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, co-ed group. Bonnie beat Gina and Fritz to the poster punch, 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.
