>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

LHS CONNECTION: The co-ed group is composed of 12 Gonzaga University students, including Nicole Lewis, a 2004 La Grande High School graduate. - Submitted photo

The Big Bing Theory will perform at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1308 Washington Ave. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted.

The co-ed group is composed of 12 Gonzaga University students, including Nicole Lewis, a 2004 La Grande High School graduate. In April of 2007 Lewis won the “Gimme the Mike’’ competition on Spokane’s KHQ-TV. “Gimme the Mike’’ is modeled after “American Idol.’’

Lewis graduated from Gonzaga earlier this month.

BBT’s repertoire features a variety of songs, including “Where is the Love” by the Black Eye Peas, “Call Me Al,” “I Saw the Sign,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Stay” by Dave Matthews.

The group also performs songs from the Spice Girls, Annie Lennox, Tom Petty, Toto and Billy Joel.

The Big Bing Theory’s name recognizes the legendary singer  and actor Bing Crosby, who attended Gonzaga University in Spokane.

BBT was founded by a Gonzaga student in 1999. Each year, more than 40 students audition for a spot in the group.

BBT performs five to six shows per month in the Spokane area. The group sings the National Anthem for Gonzaga men’s and women’s basketball games, performs for faculty and student functions, and for coffee house customers, Christmas partygoers and public school students.

Once, the group helped give an a cappella marriage proposal.

The group has made a number of CDs. Its latest release is “Five Minutes Late.” Previous BBT releases include a Christmas CD and one named “Your Mom.” All will be available at Sunday’s concert.

BBT is now touring through Oregon, Washington and Southern Idaho.