John S. solos on Always Something There to Remind Me (Naked Eyes). Tribute by Tenacious D - as arranged by the UC Men's Octet.
5 years ago today, I started this silly Weebly.com website. It was inspired by my desire to completely fangirl over the UC Men’s Octet after watching their videos back to back to back to back to back for weeks on end. The site was birthed by my desire to share with the world my love and respect for 8 guys in suits with excellent voices and pretty nice choreo. Especially the 8 guys in suits with great voices and pretty nice choreo from 2003 aka “my Octet”. Eventually this love spread to every part of the “8-ness” who has ever harmonized or soloed or choreoed or forgotten his part and improvised seamlessly to the amazement of everyone in the audience. (“Go Bears!”)
There were lots of exciting things going on during those five years. A phone interview with Jason Mabie, where he answered every single question I had about The UC Men's Octet, the '03 Octet, and himself - kicked the whole thing off, a reunion in Hawaii for the Octet-7 (Minus Brandon) and also an opening act at Octet Spring Show by 6 of the Octet-7 (+Max Cowan covering for Jason Mabie) Kyle Crews was on American Idol...for a while, but it was still cool. (He was robbed!) I learned a lot about music & the Octet: listening to their music going back to the beginning, older incarnations of the group and how it had changed, and what became of various members of the Octet brotherhood. I have learned what amazing talent and commitment went along with being in this amazing group (along with what FUN). Sadly, nearly one year ago, Jason Mabie passed away. Jason was someone who was always there to communicate with the fans on YouTube, answering inquiries and just being an outgoing and giving personality. (Also, when someone commented on who the first soloist (Nirvana Medley), last solist (My Girl) and only soloist (Shout) was, he's jump in and thank them. :) I am sorry that I did not get to meet Jason in person (he and his then fiancé planned to meet me in Seattle on the way to the Hawaii reunion, but I had moved to Oregon by that time, so it never happened), but I am glad that I did get to speak to him on the phone at least once, and chat of face book from time to time – mostly him asking how things were in the Pacific Northwest. J . He was very nice man, who, if I had a glimpse into the future, I would have made more of an effort to keep better contact with. I can’t make any promises about the future, because I am horrible about keeping promises. I procrastinate. I overestimate my time or talent. I drop the ball a lot (A LOT), but I will continue to keep this site up for the foreseeable future. I have had a great time seeing where people are coming from, answering emails and posts, and generally interacting with the Octet, their families, and other Octet fans. So, until another year rolls around, (or I make my next post.) Tiffany PS. Looking forward to a new CD. Hopefully soon. What is everyone else looking forward to? The Octet had auditions today, and we have 2 new and one returning Octet Member.
Welcome Ron Yadin and Nathan Jalazo, and welcome back Max Epstein-Shafir. I have high hopes for this Octet! |