Nearly 700 people filled William’s Auditorium last week to hear hits like “Don’t Trust Me” live in concert.
3OH!3, a musical duo named for their Colorado area code, were selected by Ferris students to headline the 2024 spring concert. Two hours before doors opened, students began lining up to see the group for themselves.
One of which was accounting and finance senior Faith Failoe. For her, 3OH!3’s music is a source of nostalgia.
“I grew up on their music,” Failoe said. “I was a child when I listened to them, now they’re in the same town as me.”
The concert is an annual project coordinated by the student organization Entertainment Unlimited. Music and entertainment business senior Kaitlyn Walters is wrapping up her senior year as E.U.’s president.
Walters revealed that there was a tie between 3OH!3 and another performer on the list of potential acts Ferris students voted to see. Collectively, E.U. felt that 3OH!3 was the right choice for the show.
Both E.U. members and student performers were pleased with their kind interactions with the members of 3OH!3, Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Mott.
“They were very kind, very respectful, very nice,” Walters said. “They kind of kept to themselves, really… They’re true professionals, and they know what they’re doing.”
Foreman and Mott’s amicable reputation preceded them. E.U. advisor Ben Avery was jokingly “warned” by Degy, their booking agency, just how nice the duo is.
“They were great interacting with our openers,” Avery said. “They gave them advice before they went on and took in some sites while they were here in Big Rapids.”
These sites included Schuberg’s Bar and Grill. Foreman and Mott were amused by the fact that the bar is located next to an insurance agency of the same name.
Before 3OH!3 took the stage, openers Ruby Opalite and the Lazy Suzan warmed up the crowd.
The Lazy Suzan has steadily increased their recognition as a local rock band over the past year. They are comprised of Ferris students and a former student of Big Rapid’s Galloup Guitars lutherie school.
Lead singer and guitarist Jackson Lee was excited to expose his band to new listeners in the area. He was pleased to see students come out and enjoy their music.
“The student life, I feel, is hungry for stuff to do. There’s not really a lot in Big Rapids,” Lee said.
Music and entertainment business senior Ruby Opalite found it “surreal” to see students singing her lyrics back to her in Williams Auditorium.
“This was just the beginning. The Ruby Empire is only going to expand from here,” Opalite said.
E.U. is now planning the annual Spring Fling, which the Lazy Susan performed in 2023. This year’s will feature live music from Grand Rapids-based indie band Pretoria. For more campus music news, find E.U.’s Instagram @ferriseu.
C.E – EC