Student Band Fest rocks audience

The Rory Lowe Band had finished. Graham Colton had finished. The Life Sports Center was silent. Anyone would have thought that the onslaught of music and rythim provided by these two bands would have been enough. But then, the Student Band Festival began, and it blew any other artist that had preformed out the door.The Student Band Fest had been in the works for some time. Any group that wanted to partake in it was to signup at the Student Life Center ahead of time. Four groups did, and that was more than enough; the groups that played were Shades of Blue, Fantastopotamus, Reed Kendall and John Sweese and the Timepiece. Each band brought it’s own flavor and dynamic to the event and each was extremely well received by the crowd of students that waited in anticipation for each new song.

Shades of Blue, quite possibly the most diverse band of the evening performed all of their own original songs with the exception of one. Not only that, but they did so with a drummer that was there to fill in. Comprised of sophomores, this band takes the art of music to a new level incorporating violin, upright bass and keyboard as well as the typical guitars and drums of your average rock band. Even though there was the one song that was covered, the students in the gymnasiumdidn’t seem to ming as they screamed and clapped at the group of musical friends.

What truly set this group apart from the others was that each of the musicians was constantly playing. It was as if each person on stage was in their own world. The only problem with the group was that it was too much sound for the gymnasium. Had the concert been held outside like it was supposed to, the sound music would have been clearer and more distinct. Sadly, due to the weather, the festival had to be held inside and because of that, the music echoed off the walls. Although the music was still detectable, there was a lot of garbled noise.

Fantastopotamus performed using a blended variety of songs. They divided their set list into essentially half covers and half original work. They too have had a recent addition since their lead guitarist had graduated. It would have appeared like nothing was wrong though, as they continued to pour their heart and soul into the music which drove them to the stage.

Much like Fantastopotamus, John Sweese and the Timepiece played a variety of their own music mixed with some old time favorites. The drumming was spectacular, and the cohesion of the group was apparent.

Out of all of the bands, John Sweese was probably the most a-typical rock band meaning that they only had the basic guitars and drums, but just because they weren’t “unique” in regards to instrument choice does not mean for a second that they were any less incredible. At one point, each member of the group had a slight solo giving every person a chance to show their own individual talents.

Admist all of the rock and roll, two students who didn’t go by a specific name provided a softer and more acoustic feel to the festival. The group consisted of three guys on stage. This set was the only one performed that night that did not involve electric guitars. The quieter feel allowed audience members to really focus on the lyrics of the songs instead of just the music from the guitars. Also, not having a drummer made it easier to hear the chords since there was less of an echo from the surrounding walls.

It was actually very impressive that the show went off without any problems. It had originally been planned for the front lawn, but because due to the threat of rain in the morning, all of the equipment had been set up for the professional performers. Had the show gone on outside, there would have been less of a sound problem, but the closeness of the gym provided a more intimate feel. The students that were watching the concert were forced to stand close to the bands performing, allowing them to fully appreciate the intensity of the music and allowing the bands to experience what it is like to perform in front of a crowd of people with their undivided attention. Whether in the audience or on the stage, the show was great.

All the bands participating were very well received, and it was definitely deserved. From outstanding vocals to dynamic guitar playing, the Student Band Fest truly showed just how gifted these groups were.