BOSTON – The Manic Optimists, an all-male a cappella group from Bates College, was among 24 amateur singing groups from across New England  selected from a field of more than 81 groups to perform during the second season of “Sing that Thing!” from Boston public broadcaster WGBH.

The series brings singing groups together in a televised competition to celebrate the power of song and is hosted by Boston Children’s Chorus Artistic Director Anthony Trecek-King. “Sing that Thing!”   begins taping in January 2016 and premieres on WGBH 2 on Friday nights, beginning April 1.

 The series includes groups from three categories: high school, collegiate and adult. The groups will perform during eight episodes, including a live-to-tape semi-final and finale featuring the top group from each category performing their unique rendition of a pop favorite.

According to the group’s website,  The Manic Optimists came together in 2000. The group sings primarily contemporary pop/rock songs,  and is known for its high-energy and engaging performances. To hear The Manic Optimists, go to www.youtube.com/user/TheManicOptimists.

Preliminary round tapings for “Sing that Thing!” will take place Tuesday, Jan. 12, through Thursday, Jan. 14,  at WGBH Studios in Brighton. The semifinal and final groups will be taped in February in front of a studio audience. More information about the series is available at WGBH.org/SingThatThing.