More than 200 students descended into Smothers Theatre on the evening of Jan. 31 as Pepperdine geared up for its first concert in more than 18 months. Five members of the American rock band Mae set up their instruments and strapped on their guitars as they began to play their first song released this year “The House That Fire Built.”
Their goal for 2009 is not to debut the entire CD at once but instead to release one song per month for the entire year while donating a part of the proceeds to different causes. They have already raised more than $8000. Since this was their first concert of the year it was also the first time any audience heard the new song live.
The night continued on with more than a dozen songs about love hardship inspiration and spirituality.
While the band performed one student attempted to crowd surf which only ended in mishap: An unforeseen hole opened in the tranquil mosh-pit and the female student tumbled to the ground. She did however make a quick recovery as she leapt up from the floor to proclaim that she was all right.
“I always get scared when people crowd surf at Mae concerts said lead singer Dave Elkins after the incident. Although I’ve always wanted to try it.”
And he did. A few songs after proclaiming his desire for jumping onto anxious hands he leapt and proved more successful than his predecessor.
Most students loved the concert.
“It was a really good concert I thought said senior Desiree Nwanonyiri. I loved it when [Elkins] jumped into the crowd. I just hope that one girl is okay.”
As the show came to a close band members thanked the Pepperdine community for welcoming them and announced the release of their next song “Boomerang to debut on Valentines Day.
After the show, drummer Jacob Marshall offered his thoughts on the long awaited concert.
I thought it went really well the experience was amazing Marshall said. Pepperdine is very welcoming and we were excited to spread our message to this community.”