On Thursday, March 24th, Madison High School was lucky enough to have the Yale Alley Cats perform during the lunch block that day. AJ Ding, a Madison alum, is currently a member of the Yale Alley Cats and brought them to Madison to perform. Madison Dodger Online (MDO) was lucky enough to ask AJ (AD) about the Alley Cats.

(MDO): What are the Alley Cats? Who can join?

(AD): The Alley Cats are an all male a cappella group from Yale University. We were founded in 1943 and we sing a variety of jazz, pop, and motown songs. Anyone who goes to Yale can audition.

(MDO): Where do the Alley Cats typically perform?

(AD): The Alley Cats perform either locally at Yale (or in Connecticut) or we go to three tours: summer, winter, and spring. The winter tour is usually domestic while spring and summer are international. This spring tour we went to Singapore. We perform at private schools, embassies, private events, public concerts, for churches, and opening acts

(MDO): When did you join the Alley Cats? Why did you join?

(AD): I joined freshman fall (when everyone joins). I joined because it was the best group on campus and also pays for international tours!

(MDO): What has been your favorite moment so far about the Alley Cats?

(AD): Most exciting moment was I think when we sang for Stella McCartney and Kristen Stewart at a fashion shoot last year!

(MDO): Was it exciting to come back to Madison to perform?

(AD): It was nice to come back to Madison and see old faces! I hosted all the cats at my house and it was nice to show them my hometown and how I used to live.

(MDO): Who would you recommend to join the Alley Cats?

(AD): I would recommend anyone who loves to sing and travel to join the Alley Cats! We’re a group of goofy guys that just travels the world doing fun (and dumb) stuff and it’s like a fraternity without the hazing!

Special thanks to AJ and the rest of the Yale Alley Cats for their performance at Madison!