The first Downtown Dayton Revival music festival lit up the city this past weekend, Sept. 8-9.
Over the two days, there were three stages, 36 performances and close to 40,000 people. Of those performances were the University of Dayton’s own Customer Service and the Gem City Horns and Lauren Elyise.
“I love the possibility of small bands getting into stuff like this,” said sophomore music therapy major Sarah Petrocci. “It’s a great opportunity to gain experience and get discovered.”
As one of the first bands to play, the men of Customer Service and the Gem City Horns said they were more than excited to be included in the festival.
“The first time I saw them perform was at the Lupe [Fiasco] concert, and having been waiting to see them again ever since,” said sophomore communication major Pat McKeone.
Andy Grammer, an artist scheduled to perform on the main stage, allegedly missed his flight, according to Elyise, and was moved to a later time in the schedule.
“When we were asked to fill the spot, I could barely believe it,” said Elyise. “We were like, ‘Yeah we’ll take that stage! This is by far the biggest show I’ve done.”
Another UD artist, sophomore communication major Dave Zup, came onto the stage to be featured rapping in one of Elyise’s original songs. She engaged the crowd in her songs, and more people began walking up to listen.
“I was shocked the crowd was so into it,” said Elyise.
After the performance, someone yelled “A 10! I give her a 10,” followed by cheers and applause.
Later in the evenings, according to the crowd’s reaction, headliners Train and John Legend were a hit.
Other notable performances were Guster, Andy Grammer, Matt Kearney, The Werks and Wheels.
Students from Oxford and Columbus said they came downtown to see their favorite band, Guster.
“This is my third time seeing Guster, and I swear every time I feel like I could die and be happy,” said Miami University student Janson Campbell.
“Jam bands like The Werks are the best,” said sophomore sociology major Toby Hills. “They were incredible. They played like an hour and fifteen minutes and like four songs, but it never got boring. They keyboardist was literally insane.”
Sophomore history major Katelyn Rendulic and sophomore human rights major Meredith Pacenta said that their favorite performance on Saturday was Wheels.
“They’re kind of like Mumford and Sons,” said Rendulic. “They were the best. And also, the bassist of Wheels had the nicest hair I’ve ever seen.”
