Lake Effect and Chill Factor just returned from an annual trip to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Every spring, WMU hosts a Vocal Jazz Festival and invites ensembles from all over the midwest. This year, Lake Effect and Chill Factor sang in front of dozens of high school and college groups from Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, along with professionals in the Vocal Jazz industry. Both groups won several awards for outstanding solos. Lake Effect was recognized for having an outstanding band, and an outstanding group overall.

Performances by Toxic Audio and WMU's own nationally-acclaimed Gold Company and Gold Company II groups were stunning. Bobby McFerrin and New York Voices have performed in years past.

Lake Effect and Chill Factor prepare all semester for the Vocal Jazz Festival. To be recognized for all that hard work is truly an honor. The trip to WMU is an event that both groups look forward to each year.