Creighton Students Union Program Board put on another entertaining concert for students this year.
Pop rock band American Authors was the headliner for the 2014 Spring Fling Concert. More than 550 Creighton students and guests attended the show at the Slowdown, a live music venue.
American Authors has reached recent fame because of their catchy hit song “Best Day of My Life,” which has played on mainstream radio stations and in commercials.
The band met while attending school at Berklee College of Music and is based in Brooklyn, N.Y. The four members of the band are lead singer Zac Barnett, lead guitarist James Adam Shelley, bass player Dave Rublin and drummer Matt Sanchez.
American Authors performed every track from their debut album, “Oh, What a Life.” Every song was upbeat and energetic, and the band’s enthusiasm was infectious. Songs performed throughout the show were “Believer,” “Luck” and “Think About It.”
A highlight of the show came when they diverged from their own music and covered the Florida Georgia Line song “Cruise.” Their acoustic take on the song was an enjoyable interpretation and a smart choice for the band.
Most special about American Authors was their connection and interaction with the audience. Barnett moved back and forth across the stage and wasn’t afraid to reach out into the crowd. At one point, he sat down on the edge of the stage to chat with students in the front row.
Barnett also expressed the group’s appreciation for being in Omaha, mentioning Saddle Creek Records and the Henry Doorly Zoo, as well as the Creighton basketball team.
American Authors closed their main set with “Best Day of My Life,” which had the audience members singing at the top of their lungs.
After American Authors left the stage, the audience cheered for an encore, so the band came out to perform one more song, “Oh, What a Life.”
The enjoyment the group showed throughout the concert proved how much they loved to play their music and perform for fans. As their last show before leaving for Australia, the band wanted to make it a memorable one, and it surely was for everyone.
The members of the band were incredibly gracious and stayed after the show to meet fans and pose for pictures.
The Swedish group NONONO opened the Spring Fling Concert. Known for its popular song “Pumpin’ Blood,” the indie band took the stage and performed a catchy collection of tracks.
NONONO commanded the audience’s attention from the start. Many of their songs, including “Jungle” and “Fire Without a Flame,” had a pulsating tempo and were an energetic way to start the concert. The band closed their set with “Pumpin’ Blood,” which had most of the audience singing along.
Slowdown is one of the most well-known venues in Omaha and was perfect for both bands’ performance styles. Concert attendees were also given giant glow sticks. When turned on, the lights matched the syncopation of the music. The devices added a fun and exciting touch to the intimate show.
Shuttles were available for transportation to and from the concert, but because of the beautiful weather, many students walked to Slowdown.
Even for attendees who were not familiar with either band, both groups provided an enjoyable experience for every concert-goer.
With the Fallapalooza concert last October featuring 3OH!3 and this semester’s Spring Fling concert, CSU Program Board planned two of the best and most popular shows that Creighton has ever hosted.
American Authors entertained the Creighton community during CSU Program Board’s annual Spring Fling concert. They played every track from their debut album.