Let’s all start this article with sitting back and taking a huge sigh of relief, because let’s be honest, UT’s track record with school events, well isn’t so hot. I’m not saying that the school doesn’t try and promote events, but the lack of student involvement sometimes is just downright disappointing.
I have to hand it to you UT and Student Productions; you produced the best event I’ve seen since I came here to Tampa. I’m not going to lie to you; I was skeptical. And should I not be? All the events that have been held, at least since I’ve been here at UT, have, well, just been mediocre.
I heard Yellowcard would be playing UT and I was curious to see the outcome. Boy was I blown away. It was great to see the amount of kids from our little school out at a concert and having a great time.
I really would like to tip my hat to Student Productions, it was great to have an event that I’ll definitely remember after I graduate. You guys did a wonderful job to make a major concert at UT, possible.
Sure, there were downfalls at the concert, but most all the downfalls can be attributed to my fellow UT students and not Student Productions.
I could be wrong, but last time I checked we all did use our Spartan ID’s to get in to a venue that had neither seats nor reservations, it was indeed, general admission. So to the girls and guys up front, it was apparent you were not only oblivious to this fact, but it was also noticeable that you hadn’t attended a rock concert ever in your life (Nysnc’s world tour 1998 does not count as a rock concert.)
Number two, we were indeed at a rock show, thus, crowd surfing is allowed (just not by UT security as I later found out).
But, off to other business. One of the most impressive things that sticks out in my mind was the venue. What a wonderful setup Plant Park provided for UT students. The tall trees, calm river, and downtown lights were the perfect setup for a concert at UT.
Also, major recognition has to go to Yellowcard. The band played an extensive up beat acoustic set for us for a little under an hour and they performed very well.
Playing fan favorites such as: “Only One,” “Way Away,” and “Empty Apartment.”
As predictable as could be, but still not taking way away from the sheer excitement of it, Yellowcard did without a doubt end with, “Ocean Avenue.”
It was a great set, and anyone could see that Thursday night. One of the greatest things about the set was how into it Yellowcard got.
Lead singer Ryan Key even stated that he was hesitant about a college show, saying that they weren’t always fun, but all he had were praises and compliments for UT students. As lame as it may sound, it was flattering to hear our small school get the recognition it deserves, and what better way to gain it than from a lead singer of a major band.
Overall, Student Productions produced a concert that will most definitely be one of the biggest high points for most students this year, as I know it will for me. It was great to escape for a bit from the cut off t-shirts, basketball shorts, and baseball caps and have them replaced by jeans, band T’s, and converses. This was a great starting point for UT events, and it will be interesting to see where UT goes next in my remaining years.
Related Articles Exclusive Interview with Lead Singer Ryan Key of Yellowcard
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