For one of their last gigs before they set out to headline the Glamour Kills Tour, alternative rock band Mayday Parade traveled to Plymouth to kick off Homecoming weekend in their usual epic style.
Music filled the Court Room in the Hartman Union Building from the start of the show to the finish. Opening up for Mayday Parade was two local PSU acts. Junior and Music major Melodey Matthrews was up first. Alternating between the piano and banjo, Melodey lived up to her name and delivered a spectacular performance. One concert goer remarked she sounded a lot like Nora Jones, only with more energy and a better personality.
“I was terrified all week,” said Matthews, “I was so nervous up until I stood up there and saw all the smiling faces and right then all the nerves disappeared!”
Her charisma shined through her voice as well as her comments to the audience in-between songs, “I had so much fun rocking out and having a blast with the audience. It was such a great opportunity and I would do it all again in a heartbeat!”
After Melodey, local band Pardon the Spins hit the stage, playing some of their popular songs known by lots of students at Plymouth State. Their balance of reggae, rap, rock, and one slick saxophone took over the HUB and got everyone pumped for Mayday. “It was great to see show much talent from our colleagues,” said senior, Julia Boulay.
The audience was so energetic after the opening acts that by the time Mayday Parade made their way on to the stage, everyone in the Court Room was ready to rock. With a set of both classic Mayday hits, as well as new songs from their last album, the audience was singing along to every word.
“When I found out mayday parade was coming to campus I was pumped! I couldn’t believe that a band of their caliber was coming to PSU and was free! The show itself was amazing. It was a small crowd, but it made the show feel more personal than others. I got my friend from back home to come up and see the show. He was just as impressed as I was. We both had an amazing time!” said senior, Zach Cogswell.
The acoustics of the court room really added to the show, allowing the crowd to get lost in the sound even if they weren’t rocking out in the front row. Impressive stage lights brought the performance all together. Every member of Mayday was just as into it as the crowd was, stomping the stage when the drums kicked in and constantly moving and jumping across the stage.
Lead singer, Derek Sanders, told the crowd that they thought this was the first show they had played in New Hampshire, to which the diehards in the front row kindly reminded him of their show played in 2011 at Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom.
“Am I making a jackass of myself right now?” asked Sanders jokingly to the crowd. Saving the moment, drummer Jake Bundrick, retaliated, “well you guys make us feel like it’s the first time!”
The entire production was organized by P.A.C.E., senior member of Pace and (her position) Megan Kelly said the show went really well (quote from Meg). If you enjoyed the show and want more info on how to be a part of something like this, or would like to join PACE stop by the general board meetings on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. Also check out P.A.C.E. at PSU on Facebook for more upcoming events!