Not-so mellow yellow
The lights dimmed in Rose Arena before bursting on when each band of the 2006 Virgin College Mega Tour took the stage.
Approximately 1,500 raucous fans were in attendance to see platinum recording artist Yellowcard, as well as opening bands Over It and Mae.
“When it comes to energy, that audience gave our biggest crowds a run for their money,” said Yellowcard guitarist Ryan Mendez.
The amount of energy was made even higher with students just finishing their last day of regular classes.
“The atmosphere there was infectious,” said Marcellus freshman Christine Candelaria. “Everyone was so pumped up.”
Yellowcard received the biggest and most energized crowd of the night. It opened the set with one of its recent hits, “Rough Landing, Holly.”
The band from Jacksonville, Fla. didn’t hesitated to keep the crowd involved. Violinist Sean Mackin fervently jumped about on stage, getting the crowd jumping with each song. Mackin did his trademark backflip at the event.
Yellowcard also had the floor audience move in a circle during a performance, calling it an old rock tradition.
“We had a day off yesterday, so we were ready to rock tonight,” bassist Peter Mosely said. “It seemed like (the audience) was just as ready to rock, too, if not even more. It was great.”
The group mixed it up with standout songs from its last two albums, including its recent release, “Lights and Sounds.”
In one of the funnier moments of the night, lead singer Ryan Key introduced his bandmates to the crowd between songs, calling it a “racially diverse” group of people.
“Who likes Asian people?” Key asked, before introducing Mackin, who is half-Japanese. He also pointed to drummer Longineu Warren Parsons III, who is black.
The biggest ovation was drawn when the band started to play its final song, “Ocean Avenue.”
“When we played, everyone was singing right along with us,” Mendez, who is from Detroit, said. “It was super energetic. You could tell they were appreciative of the music we were playing.”
An event sponsored by Program Board, the concert began with Virginia punk band Over It, which immediately got the crowd involved with its performance. Guitarist Nick Bailey received plenty of cheers after mentioning he heard Wednesday was the last day of classes.
“Bring on the summer,” shouted singer Peter Munters.
The second act was rock band Mae, also from Virginia. The band used plenty of keyboard melodies and a colorful set to go with its power rock performance.
Although Grand Blanc sophomore Keith Flewelling came to see Yellowcard, he said he was impressed with both opening performances.
“I actually liked Over It better than Mae,” he said. “I liked their sound. They have a very good stage presence.”
Candelaria was impressed with Mae’s performance as well.
“I’ve always been a big fan of Mae,” she said. “They were awesome.”
