The Nugget Grill and Pub was packed with music fans on Thursday evening for the Underground Music Society’s first on-campus concert event.
Local bands Animalia, The Moderates, Struckout and The Two Tone Boners each performed 30-minute sets. All bands showcased a different genre, ranging from traditional rock ‘n’ roll to indie to punk and ska.
The music wasn’t so radically underground that a mainstream listener couldn’t rock out as well. The crowd was as diverse as the genres played by the bands.
The Moderates gathered the largest crowd of the night. A few fans even crowded near the stage, squatting throughout the band’s entire set while singing along to their lyrics.
Josh Taylor, vocalist of The Moderates, said he was surprised to see such enthusiastic fans.
“It was a really good [show],” Taylor said. “Especially the guys in front. They knew all the songs, and I don’t think I know them.”
Although the concert ran a little later than planned, overall the event ran smoothly with the help of Underground Music Society’s (UMS) club members acting as roadies. The Nugget already showed enthusiasm for the club’s next concert, according to UMS Band Coordinator Will Torres.
“The Nugget was super helpful — more helpful than [Associated Students Inc.],” Torres said. “Since we hadn’t completed a few workshops [to finalize our club status with ASI], we weren’t really allowed to put on a show, but the Nugget understood and [has] been supportive.”
The concert also proved to be a great event for students to mingle and experience live music.
Freshman Luke Heyes said he heard about the event through word of mouth and was glad to finally experience his first rock concert.
“I came in without any expectations, but once I heard The Moderates, I got so excited,” Heyes said. “It’s my first rock concert, and I’m on this natural high of music and grinning ear to ear.”
Attendees began to clear out throughout the evening, but about 30 people stayed to watch the headlining band perform.
As soon as The Two Tone Boners took stage, a few students ended up moving tables to make room to groove along to the rhythmic beat. Once the band finished their set, fans pleaded for an encore.
The UMS plans to host more concerts at the Nugget in the near future. For more information, visit their Facebook page or attend their meetings on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. in front of Sbarro.
