LEWISTON — Battle of the Blends XXIII will present its 23rd annual concert of a cappella vocal harmony Saturday, Nov. 5, at The Dolard & Priscilla Gendron Franco Center, 46 Cedar St.

Each year, six vocal groups have presented performances that have earned widespread recognition.

“It’s hard to believe that these ‘Blends’ have been going on for so long,” said Judith Andrucki, who has been an organizer throughout the history of the shows. She sang with Top Forty, one of the earlier groups.

“Just as amazing is the fact that these vocal groups and their shows stay fresh and entertaining every year,” Andrucki said.

The six groups featured in Saturday’s concert are None of the Above, The Afternotes, The Crosstones, Northfield, Fermata Nowhere and the Maine Music Society Chamber Singers.

Andrucki noted the long-running series has presented more than 130 a cappella performances. Some were one-time appearances. Others were seen several times.

None of the Above is an a cappella octet performing an eclectic mix of early polyphony, cutting-edge modern harmony, folk songs, spirituals, pop tunes and jazz standards. This group, hailing from Wellesley, Massachusetts, is celebrating more than 10 years of music-making and camaraderie.

The Afternotes is a New Hampshire seacoast area women’s a cappella group whose members all sang in The NH Notables of the University of New Hampshire. With a multi-generational membership of 12, the singers offer a varied repertoire. They are making their first Battle of the Blends appearance.

Founded 20 years ago, The Crosstones is Bates College’s oldest co-ed a cappella group. It is known for its down-to-earth nature, humor and energy. The yearly incarnations of the group have been performing nationally and locally.

The Crosstones mix genres ranging from Motown to pop to classic rock.

Northfield is a Farmington-based group that has been singing for 30 years. It focuses on music from early America and Renaissance Europe, performing a mix of pieces that are sacred and secular, silly and serious. This group appeared in a Battle of the Blends show a few years ago.

Fermata Nowhere is an auditioned ensemble made up of students at Edward Little High School in Auburn. With a playful pun on the word “fermata” (denoting a lengthened note or timing in a piece of music) these students may joke that they are “from out of nowhere,” but they have established a well-deserved reputation for excellence with community performances. The choir started in 1988 and is directed by Sarah Brooks.

Eighteen a cappella voices of the Maine Music Society Chamber Singers are members of the larger Maine Music Society Chorale who delight in singing a cappella. Formed three years ago, their repertoire includes renaissance pieces, madrigals, spirituals and ballads, as well as modern songs by composers such as The Beatles and Billy Joel.

Andrucki emphasized there is a big behind-the-scenes effort that makes this annual event possible. Many people work on various arrangements and preparation of a dinner for all the singers.

Battle of the Blends XXIII is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.
General admission is $25 and children younger than 12 are $12. For tickets, call L/A Arts at 207-782-7228.