The Spizzwinks of Yale University bring their lively vocal harmonies for a rare appearance in western North Carolina! A free concert will be held at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6 PM.
This a cappella group delights audiences around the world with close-harmony arrangements that blend musical sophistication and quick wit. The extraordinarily talented singers deliver high-energy performances that mix jazz standards, pop hits, rock ballads, and Broadway tunes – all performed without a single instrument.
Since 1914, the Spizzwinks have entertained audiences around the world with original arrangements of well-known songs and signature humor. Now in their 112th year, the ’Winks are producing another album and touring throughout the US, Peru, and New Zealand. In fact, they are the world’s oldest underclassman a cappella group.
When traveling internationally, the Spizzwinks act as cultural ambassadors for the United States, often performing on television and radio, and at large public events. They also promote cultural exchange, singing joint concerts with choirs from universities and other organizations.
Why come to Banner Elk? According to Spizzwinks music director, Nate Stein, “my parents built a second home in Beech Mountain as a little mountain getaway from our home in Kentucky. Additionally, my pastor and his wife in Kentucky are from the Banner Elk area, and Banner Elk Presbyterian Pastor Mike McCracken was in my pastor’s first youth group. It was a completely random ‘small world’ moment when they mentioned that to me.”
The Spizzwinks have released several dozen albums and performed around the globe, sharing a diverse repertoire of over 600 arrangements. They are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, dedicated to the promotion of group harmony singing to foster support for music and the arts. Every member of the group travels to all six inhabited continents and their hometown during their three years in the group, with travel and lodging funded entirely by our annual performance schedule. Go to their website for much more!
The concert is part of BE•PRESents, a series of music and arts productions presented by Banner Elk Presbyterian Church for the entire community to enjoy. The next shows will be Moses: The Musical on May 13-18 and Best of Broadway 3 on August 23-24.
Doors open at 5:30 PM for general seating. Admission is free with donations collected to support their tour and educational outreach. Banner Elk Presbyterian Church is located at 420 College Drive SW, Banner Elk.
