The Mainliners
Soon after the Villanova Singers were launched, there was a smaller group formed from within the Singers: The Mainliners. The first Mainliners were Jack Jannuci, Joe Valenti, Joe D’Aquila, Jack Padova, and Connie “Moose” Urban. The Mainliners performed a cappella barbershop arrangements of songs such as Standin’ On The Corner, Down By The Riverside, and I Had A Dream Dear.
The Mainliners continued performing throughout the 1950s. At the first Legacy Weekend in 2007, members of the Mainliners reunited and performed several numbers.
Perfect Union
Another a cappella group was founded during the year of our nation’s bi-centennial in 1976. The Perfect Union, a double entendre name for Villanova’s new barbershop quartet, began blending their tight harmonies, colorful costumes and humorous “shticks” as an interlude during Singers’ concerts. Their repertoire included many traditional barbershop favorites like Coney Island Baby along with more contemporary and even sacred pieces.
Perfect Union were featured at Villanova Singers concerts from 1976 through the 1989-90 seasons.
At a Villanova Singers concert in 2006, there was a “Perfect Re-Union” when members of the original group performed again, and group members have performed at the Singers Legacy Weekends.
The Mainliners and Perfect Union, Villanova’s original a cappella groups, were the precursors for the many a cappella groups that now exist on campus.