‘Jam: A Jam Jam!’ Review: Jamming Along with the Harvard Fallen Angels and the Harvard Callbacks

With sight of spring, the Harvard Fallen Angels, founded in 2001, and the Harvard Callbacks, founded in 1986, performed “Jam: A Jam Jam!” at Sanders Theatre on March 28. The nearly two-and-a-half-hour show contained numerous performances from both a cappella groups, including arrangements dedicated to their seniors. The performance blended modern pop music with organized choreography that made the groups shine. Overall, “Jam: A Jam Jam!” was the perfect introduction to a capella for anyone unfamiliar with the form.

As 7 p.m. rolled around, Sanders Theatre was transformed with a warm spotlight introducing the Fallen Angels, who, to kick off “Jam: A Jam Jam!,” performed Elle King’s “Ex’s & Oh’s,” soloed by Riley B. Jackson ’27. From the arrangement to the outfits, the Fallen Angels shone with their matching black dresses and their signature pop of gold. From their soloists to their group performances of popular songs, including “Night Changes” by One Direction, the group created an atmosphere of spring with their warm performance and upbeat covers.

One of the highlights of the Fallen Angels’ performance was their rendition of “Night Changes,” taking on a different feeling of the popular song by providing an even calmer version of the original. Their voices synchronized as they seamlessly transitioned from lyric to lyric. As the Fallen Angels moved fluidly through their arrangements, forming a different structure for each song, they introduced the audience to each number through introductions and energetic descriptions. Between each set, the Fallen Angels read heartfelt notes to their seniors, wishing them the best. On their final piece of the performance, Hannah Shell ’25, one of the group’s seniors, performed Taylor Swift’s “Drops of Jupiter.” Shell’s performance was notable and her voice carried over the crowd — changing the environment to a more emotional one and closing the Fallen Angels’ performance with a bang.

The Harvard Callbacks performed during the second half of the evening. By Kacy Bao

The Fallen Angels’ energetic and creative dynamic kept the audience engaged before passing the stage to the Callbacks. The Harvard Callbacks consists of 18 members and is Harvard's premier all-gender a capella group. The group began with a performance of James Arthur’s “At My Weakest,” soloed by Phoebe Tian ’27, welcoming the crowd in with their hypnotizing choreography arrangements and vocal harmony. Their choreography flowed across the big stage as members stepped in and out of position following the rhythm of the song. From catchy pop hits to fluid choreography, the Callbacks certainly commanded their audience’s attention, including a variety of songs from Sia’s “Elastic Heart” to Miley Cyrus’ “Bad Karma” featuring Joan Jett.

At one point in the performance, the Callbacks invited alumni members onto the stage, creating an energetic atmosphere that demonstrated the long lasting legacy and the close-knit community of the group. The voices of both alumni and present members echoed throughout the venue, showcasing a warm blend of the past and present. Like the Fallen Angels, the Callbacks read heartfelt notes to their seniors between each set and performed their favorite arrangements in their honor. Closing in on the end of the night, the Callbacks performed their last song, Neon Trees’ “Everybody Talks,” soloed by Ross M. Noble ’26.

“Jam: A Jam Jam!” brought to campus an energy that was very much needed after a tough midterm season. Throughout the night, the Fallen Angels and the Callbacks collectively created a show worth watching, where each number created a different feeling than the one before. Under the spotlight, the groups’ upbeat and powerful energy beamed brighter and brighter throughout their performance.