Carolina Production’s annual free concert took a departure from its usual big-name headlining act setup to feature local artists Haley Dreis; One, Two, Skidoo; and Death of Paris on the Russell House patio Tuesday night.
The concert got off to a little bit of a late start, but the audience didn’t mind the 15-minute wait. The crowd grew and shrunk in numbers throughout the course of the evening, and the heat didn’t stop the bands from giving their all on stage.
Haley Dreis and her band opened the show. The band has played several USC events in the past and had the opportunity to open for nationally recognized punk band We the Kings when they came to campus in 2010. Dreis, who completed her undergraduate degree at USC this May, and her band played original songs as well as covers of Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas” and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now.” In addition to being the lead singer, Dreis plays violin and ukulele.
“I’m happy to be back,” Dreis said.
Hip-hop group One, Two, Skidoo — made up of USC students Rupert Hudson, Pedro Lopez, Jake Causey, Lee Garrett, Adam Siler, Mike Roberts and Thi Lam — took the stage after Dreis and co. The group was full of energy and pumped up the crowd by jumping into the audience and dancing. They played original hip-hop songs as well as a rap medley with songs ranging from Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz’ “Get Low” to Aaron Carter’s “How I Beat Shaq.”
Fourth-year fashion merchandising student Corrie Jolly said she came to the Welcome Back concert to support her friends in One, Two, Skidoo.
“I’m excited to be back at school, and I’m enjoying the last two days of summer,” Jolly said.
Students found out about the Welcome Back concert through a variety of methods. Katharine LeeHong, a first-year business student, read about the event in Carolina Production’s fall calendar. LeeHong was not familiar with any of the artists playing, but liked what she heard at the show.
“The artists are all new to me, but I bought an EP, and I’m really enjoying [the show],” LeeHong said. First-year psychology student Kailah Thompson found out about the concert just by looking out the window.
“I was walking through the Russell House and heard the music, so I decided to check it out,” Thompson said.
The concert ended with a set by local electro-pop band Death of Paris. The band gave out sampler CDs to the first 50 people in attendance. Three members of the band are former USC students, and lead singer Jayna Doyle wore a Gamecock T-shirt on stage to show pride for her alma mater.
“Thanks for having us, USC and Carolina Productions,” Doyle said. “I miss this campus.”
If you missed the Welcome Back concert or liked what you saw, Death of Paris will be opening for Weaving the Fate at the Township Auditorium on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Doyle closed the concert by sharing some important advice with students.
“I hope you guys have a great semester. Call your parents. Take your vitamins. Stay in school.”