Spring Concerts Underway

- Lindsay Meece

If you’re looking for things to do and just can’t bear to be in Greenville for another weekend, lots of bands have started their spring tours and are playing in the area. Many concerts are in St. Louis, as well as Peoria, Springfield, Champaign, or Chicago, if you’re looking for more of a drive. If you’re into music as much as I am, you should jump on this opportunity to see your favorite band in concert. This past week I went to The All-American Rejects concert in St. Louis and to a Copeland concert in Urbana.

The All-American Rejects packed the house at The Pageant in St. Louis on Thursday, April 9, 2009. It was definitely worth it to wait to go home until Friday for Easter break. I’ve seen these guys in concert before and they really know how to put on a show. The All-American Rejects made sure to cover many songs from their latest album, When the World Comes Down, which was released on December 16, 2008. They also covered their hits from their self-titled album and Move Along, singing the fan favorites “Swing Swing,” “Dirty Little Secret,” and “Move Along.” The opening acts were Vedera, Ace Enders, and Shiny Toy Guns who all were successful in keeping the crowd’s attention.

Copeland performed at The Canopy Club right off the University of Illinois campus in Urbana this past Monday night, April 13. It was my first time seeing them and in light of my close proximity to the band (about two people away) and as strong as Aaron Marsh’s voice was, it was an amazing performance. Copeland has a distinct sound that is relaxing and peaceful, but they know how to rock when they’re performing live. They covered songs from their latest album, You Are My Sunshine, released on October 14, 2008. I love the new stuff but I’m also a big fan of their older material and luckily they played some of their older songs as well, including “Pin Your Wings” and my favorite, “You Have My Attention.” Brooke Waggoner, Paper Route, and This Providence opened for Copeland and each had a different style that made the overall concert experience worthwhile.

If you missed out on these two amazing concerts don’t worry! There are many more to come. Mae is said to be playing in St. Louis on May 19, 2009, and that would be a great way to end the school year. Of course, Agape, Cornerstone, and Ignite Chicago are always great experiences. Keep an eye out for your favorite band to come this way because many bands have a spring tour.