On Jan. 20, the Campus Activity Board (CAB) kicked off the spring semester by bringing singer, songwriter and American Idol season nine winner Lee DeWyze to campus.
Dewyze performed an intimate concert with an opener by acoustic performer Christina Holmes in the North Pod of the Memorial Union. CAB, working in conjunction with Campus Activities & Student Engagement (CASE), advertised the concert through flyers and on their Facebook page. However, many students attending the show learned about it by word of mouth.
“I did not know who Lee DeWyze was before today, but I heard about this concert through a friend, and I really like rock and folk music,” second-year student Ethan Thibault said.
DeWyze has been touring colleges across the Northeast, Midwest and Canada promoting his new album “Oil & Water.” The Idol winner’s set included his new work along with covers of popular songs.
“I’m pretty sure everyone’s heart stopped when he started singing ‘Stay With Me’ by Sam Smith and ‘Hallelujah.’ He didn’t play my favorite song ‘Sweet Serendipity’ though,” first-year student Anna Webber said after the performance.
Despite the concert’s small setting, it left a large impact on the audience, according to first-year Jen Goulding.
“The whole experience was one I’ll remember for years to come; after all, seeing Lee DeWyze is probably a once in a lifetime chance,” Goulding said. “The concert was very nice as not many people showed up. It was a small group listening to excellent music and having an all-around good time.”
Goulding lauded both the artist’s performance and personality.
“Lee was very funny and had the audience in stitches by the end of the concert. The music was this magical blend of folk and rock. Lee could really sing in tune, it was great,” Goulding said.
First-year student Madeline Adore said that this was a great way to begin the semester.
“I’m really excited because it’s fun to go to concerts, it’s a nice way to start the semester, and most of all, he has an amazing voice,” Adore said.
Goulding, who remembers watching DeWyze compete on TV when she was younger, gave a heartfelt thank you to CASE for organizing the concert.
“Going to the concert was important to me because I remember watching American Idol with my family and I remember watching Lee DeWyze perform,” Goulding said. “He was definitely my family’s favorite, and we were all really excited when he won. All and all, I had a great time, the music was fantastic and CASE did a great job organizing the event.”
To learn more about similar upcoming events on campus visit the CASE Facebook Page.
