Tāvengers assemble: 35 years of Octāves and brotherhood

It all started at the Westhampton Lake gazebo.

That’s how T.J. Moffet, one of the founding members of the Richmond Ocātves, remembers the group’s earliest days. Years before performing and filling the rows of Richmond’s Jenkins Greek Theater and rallying together alumni scattered across the country, the Octāves were just a small group of students hosting “Midnight Expressions”-- a monthly open mic night by the lake, filled with music, poetry and community. 

On March 29, Moffet returned to Richmond for the first time in 14 years, joining more than 40 alumni to celebrate the Octāves’ 35th anniversary at their spring concert, “Tāvengers: Spring Fever.” 

The event, which drew a large crowd of students, faculty and family members, was not just a musical performance; it was a celebration of legacy, friendship and the enduring bond between members past and present. 

“You don’t know what you’re gonna miss until you’re here,” Moffett said. “It’s wonderful to be able to get up there and share it again.” 

The concert opened with a lively performance by The Sirens, Richmond’s all-female a cappella group, covering hits such as  “I Will Survive,” by Gloria Gaynor, “Evergreen,” by YEBBA, and “Greedy,” by Ariana Grande. 

During intermission, The Bluestones, a visiting group from James Madison University, took the stage with an energetic three-song set. 

Nonetheless, the heart of the night belonged to the Octāves. The all-male a-cappella group performed a diverse lineup of songs, including “House of the Rising Sun,” by The Animals, “Silver Springs,” by Fleetwood Mac, “Fine by Me,” by Andy Grammer, and “Life is a Highway,” by the Rascal Flatts. The five seniors took the spotlight for “Story of my Life,” by One Direction.

Alumni joined in for two particularly sentimental performances: “Good Old A Cappella,” which the group has been singing for the entirety of its 35 years, and “Shenandoah.” Alumni singing alongside the current students was a powerful moment of connection across generations. 

The large alumni turnout was the result of planning that began nearly two years ago. A conversation turned into a movement to bring as many former Octāves home for one night. 

“The brotherhood that this group has is really special. That’s why so many alumni come back to celebrate that,” President Jack Gaghan said in his opening remarks. 

Although the Octāves were supposed to close with “Steal My Girl,” by One Direction,  they were coerced into an encore by a crowd-initiated chant of “one more song.” They chose to finish with “When The Party’s Over,” By Billie Eilish.

With standing ovations, chants for encores and over three decades of harmony behind them, the Octāves proved that their group, born at midnight by the lake, is far from done. 

“Avengers assemble…alumni assemble.” senior Jimmy James said. “I hope they keep traditions alive and strive for another great 35 years.” 

Contact features writer Sam Jurick at sam.jurick@richmond.edu