Presented by California Baptist University’s commercial music program, three campus-based bands performed for students, family and new fans at the Welcome Back Jam on Sept. 13.
Nights Out, an indie band led by students JT Wright and Panda, kicked off the night. Despite technical difficulties, guitarist and vocalist Panda eased the tension with a joke, allowing everyone to settle in.
“Did you hear about the circus fire? It was ‘in-tents,’” Panda said.
They started their set with their original song, “Drive to LA,” available on various streaming platforms along with their other original music. With lights flashing and hands clapping, the crowd was ready for a night of live music and incredible talent.
While the circus fire joke may have been ‘in-tents,’ it wasn’t as intense as the following cover band, Out of the Black.
Inspired by British duo Royal Blood, Wright showcased his musical range as he shifted from indie to alternative rock. He returned to the stage after a wardrobe change and performed “Out of the Black.” Though the lyrics of “Little Monster” say, “I got love on my fingers,” Wright would beg to differ — he played guitar until his fingers hurt.
Jocelyn Solorzano, a sophomore songwriting major, heard about the concert from friends and decided to attend.
“As a songwriting major, it was cool to see them actually play the songs that they made, and then have a whole band out of [making music],” Solorzano said. “I’m getting inspired.”
Next up, CBU’s own Fickel and Friends took the stage. Cheers erupted as vocalist Samara Paysu opened their set with Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun.”
The night continued with a range of sounds from pop to country to R&B. Kelsey Cauldren, a senior at CBU and vocalist for the band, works as a vocal teacher for a nonprofit that serves the San Bernardino school district. Cauldren showcased her students’ talents by bringing their horns to the stage.
The audience danced, clapped and called for an encore. The set ended as it began, with the crowd singing along to the iconic Paramore song.
Eli Santana, a sophomore studio production major and another vocalist for Fickel and Friends, is an aspiring musician. He explained how CBU and the commercial music program have supported his journey.
“CBU has actually opened me up — it got me comfortable with sharing all of my music,” Santana said. “It got me comfortable with being more extroverted and outgoing.”
Santana also shared his favorite part of performing: “I love making the energy big, I love making the crowd shout and all that. It feels so good.”
Kenny Newhart and Alayna Williams, both juniors at CBU, said they feel the energy Santana described.
“We love live music. We’ve gone to the other [concerts] before, like last year, and they’re always so much fun, and everyone is so talented,” Newhart said.
Students looking to catch the next concert can mark their calendars for Oct. 4, when the Fall Festival Concert returns to Mission Hall Lawn.
