OUR HISTORY

The Hullabahoos were founded at the University of Virginia on December 8, 1987, when some guys got together and said "Hey, let's sing other people's songs without instruments… and wear robes while we do it." So they did. And they still do. Since then, the group has been fortunate enough to perform all over the world and gain national and critical acclaim for their music.

Early Years and Foundation

Founded by Halsted Sullivan, the group quickly established itself as a distinctive presence in the collegiate a cappella scene. Unlike the traditional bowtie-wearing Virginia Gentlemen, the Hullabahoos chose a more laid-back style with uniquely patterned robes that each member picks out individually at Joann Fabrics in Charlottesville. This gives the group a sense of relaxed individuality and swagger that makes them stand out among typical glee club-style college groups.

Notable Performances and Media Appearances

Over the decades, the Hullabahoos have delivered memorable performances around the globe. Some highlights include performances in the Philippines, for President George W. Bush in 2007, at Washington Nationals games, and for President Obama both at the Democratic Caucus and the White House in 2013. The group has also performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention, Good Morning America, the Kennedy Center, and has received invitations from The Today Show.

In recent years, the Hullabahoos have expanded their reach through major media appearances. Their story was further immortalized when New York-based writer Mickey Rapkin followed the group in 2006 and 2007, profiling them in his book Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory, which later became the basis for the hit movie. They then made their big screen debut appearing in the 2012 film adaptation of Rapkin’s Pitch Perfect, performing "The Final Countdown" during the ICCA Finals scene. The group also appeared as the fictional group "Here Comes Treble" on an episode of NBC's hit television show The Office.

Recent International Tours and Prestigious Events

The group's touring tradition has expanded significantly in recent years with several landmark international tours:

• 2021 London Tour: The Hullabahoos brought their signature "Hullabasound" across the Atlantic, performing throughout England's capital city.

• 2024 Caribbean Cruise Tour: The group took their robes to the high seas, entertaining audiences across multiple Caribbean destinations.

• 2024 Holidays at the White House: Continuing their tradition of presidential performances, the Hullabahoos returned to the White House for the holiday season, marking their third presidential administration to invite the group.

• 2025 Dublin Spring Tour: The group's spring break tradition expanded to Ireland, where they performed throughout Dublin, bringing their unique collegiate a cappella style to new international audiences.

• 2025 Reser's Jingle Competition Victory: Most recently, the Hullabahoos achieved a significant milestone by winning the Reser's Good Times Jingle competition, receiving an invite to the Patricia Reser Arts Center and $45,000 in prize money.

Recording Legacy

The Hullabahoos have recorded an impressive 24 studio albums since their first release, Full Glottal Stop, in 1991. Their albums have gained national recognition, with tracks featured on the Best of College A Cappella (BOCA) compilation album eight times since 1996.

The group's recording quality evolved significantly over the years. They initially worked with sound engineer Paul Brier of Virginia Arts Recording Studios in Charlottesville, then transitioned to Dave Sperandio of Diovoce starting with their 2004 album Jacked. More recently, UVA alumnus James Gammon of James Gammon Productions has handled almost all of their production work, with their 24th studio album Washed Up (2024) being proclaimed their "best work" by the producer.

Awards and Recognition

The Hullabahoos have received extensive recognition from the Contemporary A Cappella Society, winning multiple Best Male Collegiate Album awards, Best Song awards, and solo recognition. Their tracks have been selected for prestigious compilation albums including BOCA (8 times) and Voices Only (4 times), with their most recent selection being "Something in the Orange" for BOCA 2025.

Continuing Tradition

Today, the Hullabahoos continue their tradition with typically 13 to 18 members, holding auditions every fall and occasionally in the spring. They maintain their annual Fall, Winter, and Spring concerts at the University of Virginia, their signature Fall Roll tour up the East Coast, and increasingly ambitious international touring. The group has also embraced modern opportunities, offering Cameo bookings and maintaining an active presence on streaming platforms with over 25,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

From their humble beginnings in 1987 to winning national jingle competitions in 2025, the Hullabahoos have remained true to their founding spirit while continuously evolving and reaching new heights in the world of collegiate a cappella.

To inquire about bookings, songs or other questions about the Hullabahoos, check out our contact page or contact us directly at hullabahoos@gmail.com.