Friday, November 11, 2011

Action Item Shows Indiana Some Love

The Stronger The Love Tour Poster

Thursday, October 27, pop group Action Item played their first show in Indianapolis at the Emerson Theater, with opening acts Hollywood Ending, Days Difference, and Burnham. Though the crowd was extremely small, all four bands still performed their hearts out, giving every ounce of energy and emotion into each song. Despite dealing with several technical difficulties through out the course of the night, the positive, energetic vibe never faltered.

Me with the guys from Hollywood Ending

The first act, Hollywood Ending, played with enthusiasm, performing originals such as “You Got Me” and “I’m So Over You.” The Radio Disney’s N.B.T. contestants also performed covers of Busted’s “Year 3000” and One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful,” paying tribute to their bass player Chris Bourne’s British roots. Their upbeat pop sound got the crowd jumping and doing the “sloppy joe,” starting the night off on the right foot.

Me with the guys from Days Difference

Up next, alternative pop band Days Difference graced the stage, slowing down the pace with unhurried ballads such as their original tracks “Speakers” and “Are You Happy” from their self-titled debut album. Lead singer Jeremy William Smith showed off his keyboard skills as his melodic vocals started the crowd swaying.  The Virginia natives frequently come to Indiana or the surrounding area. On November 9 they will be opening up for Owl City at the Expo Five in Louisville, KY.

Me with the guys from Burnham

Surprisingly talented, Burnham, a group of three brothers, wowed the crowd. With unyielding talent, better than expected for their young ages, the group brought more stage presence than any band before them. Giving off a “Jonas Brothers” feel, the band made the young teenage girls go crazy. Lead singer Forrest Burnham, at just 15 years of age, showed off his vocal abilities covering Bruno Mars’ “The Lazy Song”, making it the most memorable of their performance, having changed some of the lyrics to better suit his age.
Me with the guys from Action Item

Last but most definitely not least, the headlining band Action Item showed Indiana some love. As their first Headlining Tour, The Stronger The Love Tour, Action Item showed their excitement, constantly speaking giddily of it during their set, and on their twitter accounts. Playing all the best tracks from their debut album, The Stronger The Love, early works from their two EPs, The World and I and Boy With the Microphone, and their brand new single “Learn to Fly,” Action Item performed an extremely fun, energetic, and lengthy set.

Me receiving a group hug from Action Item

Before, during, and after the concert, all four bands mingled with the audience, taking pictures, signing autographs, and holding conversations. Some fans had the luxury of VIP tickets and were able to eat dinner with the band. The small crowd size provided the night with intimacy, a luxury that many concert-goers find hard to get with their favorite bands. Despite the amazing performances the bands gave for the crowd, the best part of the night was getting to know all of them personally, and getting that connection with such great musicians.

By: Valerie Cox

Here are some extra pictures I took with the bands:

Me with Danny from Hollywood Ending

Me with Tyler from Hollywood Ending

Me with Chris from Hollywood Ending





Thursday, November 3, 2011

Jenna Nicholls Read My Album Review

Hello fellow readers! I've just received some amazing news. A little bit ago I reviewed Jenna Nicholls' album The Blooming Hour for the WIUX blog. Turns out she read it and loved it! Here is her comment on the WIUX site:

Also, I WIUX blog reader commented on my article:


Check out my article that got all this buzz here: www.wiux.org/blog

Jenna Nicholls - The Blooming Hour


Hey everybody! Check out my album review for Jenna Nicholls' newest album The Blooming Hour on the WIUX blog now: www.wiux.org/blog