Naturally7, whom Quincy Jones describes as “poised to take a cappella to the next level,” will be performing at the Howard Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.

Naturally7 formed in 1999 as an a cappella group started by Roger Thomas and his brother, Warren. The newly-formed group with roots in New York received early recognition for their distinct a cappella sounds and harmony arrangements, but were unable to decide whether to become an a cappella group or a traditional band. Roger thought, “Why not both?” The group began exploring the capabilities of their own voices to determine which “instruments” they would be.

The result is Naturally7: a blend of seven distinctive male vocal talents to produce a style of music they call “vocal play.” Using their own voices as instruments, the group draws on gospel, R&B and Motown influences.

Naturally7 has recorded four albums, and many of their songs have become chart-topping hits in countries such as Germany, Italy, South Africa and England. Their cover of “Feel It (In the Air Tonight)” was a YouTube hit, receiving more than 5 million hits. More recently, they have performed at the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and were guests at Quincy Jones’ 2009 Bermuda Music Festival. For the past year, they have toured with Michael Buble and appeared with him on the “”The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” They just released a new CD, “VocalPlay,” and are also featured on Quincy Jones’ new album, “Soul Bossa Nostra.”

Sponsored by the Andrews University Student Association, tickets for Naturally7 are $20 for reserved seating, $15 for faculty/staff and free for Andrews University students. Tickets can be purchased at the Howard Center Box Office by calling (888) 467-6642 or (269) 471-3560.

Special rates apply for groups and Flex Series tickets. For more information, visit www.howard.andrews.edu.

The Howard Performing Arts Center is a premier 850-seat concert hall on the campus of Andrews University. Founded in 1874, Andrews University is the flagship institution of higher education for the Seventh-day Adventist church, located one-half mile east of the U.S. 31 Bypass in Berrien Springs.