By The Keystone Newspaper The bands are back together for regular Thursday night shows
By Toby Lemon
Rock the Lawn is back at KU, hosting bands behind Schaeffer Auditorium for a free experience where students can spend time with friends and enjoy listening to diverse music that explores various genres. Rock the Lawn will continue throughout the Fall semester on Thursdays at 6 p.m. behind Schaeffer Auditorium.
The performance on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 6 p. m., featured four bands that consist of Kutztown students: Rock One, Rock Two, Rock Three and Rock Four. The event lasted two hours with small breaks in between performances.
The first band that performed was Rock Four. The group consists of four singers, each playing the part of lead or background singer depending on the piece, as well as an energetic ensemble filled with saxophones, flutes, drums, a keyboardist and various guitar players. This was the band’s first official performance and they chose three songs of different genres with a solo cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression” ending their performance.
Following their performance was Rock Three. The band started out with just the instrumentalists on stage, but soon added their four singers to the mix. They performed four songs with brief banter directed towards the crowd while the band danced along to the music.
Their group leaned closer to one style of music, though they showcased the nuances that can be found in a single genre during their performance.
After a very brief intermission, Rock Two took the stage with a similar approach to Rock Three, having the instrumentalists introduce the group with the four singers joining them not long after. Then the ensemble performed four songs, all focusing on different aspects of the music.
Their performance ended with the song “Hysteria” by Muse before the final band took the stage.
Photo Credit: Toby Lemon
Rock One took the stage with a large backing group of instrumentalists, featuring multiple saxophones and brass instruments. They also utilised bass, guitar, drums and keyboard to highlight their three singers. Unlike the other bands, Rock One performed six songs including a touching arrangement of “Jolene” by Dolly Parton.
Rock One’s last song, “Can’t Let Go” by Earth Wind and Fire, encouraged many people to get up and dance as the night came to an end.
Rock the Lawn also features a food stand that supports the KU Music department.
More information about Rock the Lawn can be found on the KU Music Department Events page.