Thousands join Neon Trees, Fictionist, Blue Aces in downtown block party

Tiffany Frandsen

October 8, 2014

schedule 6 min read
Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

Gabi Campbell | Photo Editor/Staff Writer |@angelikagabi
Tiffany Frandsen | News Editor | @tiffany_mf

 

Neon Trees are remarkably well-named. Maybe someone with synesthesia can confirm whether their music looks neon, because it certainly sounds that way.

On  October 3, they returned to Provo (their band’s birthplace) to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Rooftop Concert Series with thousands of music fans in the last free installment of the summer.

They joined the Blue Aces and Fictionist as a surprise, announced just two days before the concert. The expected crowd was big enough to prompt a move in venue – from the rooftop of the Marriott parking garage a block south to Center Street in downtown Provo. The stage, vendors and sponsor tents shut down a few blocks of the street.

Gabi Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

Gabi Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

 

 


The Blue Aces, four teenage lady-rockers from Provo, played fast-paced, emotional songs. Their sound and lyrics are creative and lack the cliché expected from a young band. They play with the confidence and boldness of experienced musicians and recently won Velour’s Battle of the Bands. They have promise, and deserve plenty of local support.

Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

 

Gabi Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

Gabi Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

 

 

 

Fictionist have rocked more of a classic sound in the past, but they switched to a synth-pop-dance style for their new album. Friday night was the first time their newest, self-titled album was available to fans (other than presale and the single “Free Spirit”). The album officially released October 7 for general audiences. Part of the change in tone comes from Robbie Connolly and Stu Maxfield switching roles. The new album made up most of the set. The band also threw in “Swept Away,” from their earlier EP and a cover of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams.”
Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

Gabi Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

 

 

 

 

    When Neon Trees took the stage, the crowd erupted into screams. The stage was tamer than what they have been touring with (the tour set is loud, happy and poppy blocks of color), but their performance still rocked Provo like pop rocks in a sprite can. Even though Branden Campbell, the bass player, had open heart surgery recently, they performed their songs with amazing enthusiasm and clear love for the crowd.

 

 


Tyler Glenn is more than a singer; he is a performer. By not seeing Neon Trees live, fans would miss is his delightful dance moves. He appears to have more moves than the kids in the Peanuts cartoon (probably. I didn’t count). He channeled Michael Jackson (successfully!) with plenty of spin moves and monster hands (yes, those ones, from Thriller), did the hand jive (think the clapping rhythm where you throw your thumbs over your shoulders, like the dance scene in Grease), popped his hips side-to-side, high-kicked and many more*.
Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

 

 

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Neon Trees was absolutely amazing last night. They’re so passionate about what they do it radiates into your body and you can’t help but smile. Definitely a concert I’ll never forget. @rooftopconcerts @official_neontrees #rooftopconcerts View on Instagram

 

 

 


The rest of the band brings a strong platform for Glenn to perform from. Elaine Bradley, the drummer, joined Glenn to sing. Happiness exuded from the stage.  “I’m the happiest version of myself I have ever been,” said Glenn, when he talked about how grateful he is for Provo. He recorded his first album in Provo, he performed his first show at Oz, an old billiards/concert venue.
Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

 

 

After the performances, Mayor John Curtis took the stage. Curtis and the city of Provo have been involved and supportive of the RCS. He proclaimed that October 2 would forever be Neon Trees Day in Provo, and proudly handed the band a key to the city.


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Here is Mayor Curtis giving the band a key to the city. Oct. 3 is officially Neon Trees Day. What a great night. #provorocks #downtownprovo #rooftopconcerts #neontrees   View on Instagram

 

 

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Elaine from @official_neontrees was stoked to receive the key to the city. #rooftopconcerts #provorocks #elainesmash View on Instagram

 

 
Good news, Provo. Center Street is earthquake-safe. The thousands of music-lovers shook the block like a seismic test and not a single brick shook loose.

Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

Gabriella Campbell | i: @angelikagabriella

 

 

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THANK YOU PROVO. Photo by @sammyssounds Thank you @rooftopconcerts #provorocks #hometownpride

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