Author: Bridget Benevides
Sometimes when I think about my time at Seattle U, I wonder if I am missing out on the stereotypical “college experience”. Of course, when I say stereotypical I am thinking of Greek life and parties (the idea of “college” that movies and media has fed me). I am in my second year and I don’t have any crazy stories about people jumping off roofs or playing campus wide hide and seek, and I’ve thought when I get older what are the stories I am going to tell?
Well, then I remind myself that I hate parties and that I would never have any stories about people jumping off roofs because I would hold them back from jumping off said roof and I laugh at myself for thinking that I won’t have any stories simply because Seattle U is not a “party school”. Because I will have stories of music. I will have stories of concerts and artists and making friends with strangers in the crowd. I will have stories of losing myself in powerful lyrics and acoustics that are so loud that any negative thoughts get drowned out. I will have stories like the time I went to see Jacob Banks at The Showbox. These are the experiences that make up my college experience, and they’re better than any party.
It has been a while since I’ve been to The Showbox. I have been cheating on it with some other venues, but whenever I come back I am reminded of our memories together. The Showbox on 1stAve is a poppin’ little venue with vaulted ceilings and two bars for 21-and-up concert goers. I like The Showbox because it is big enough to not feel exclusive, but small enough to not feel overwhelming. Anywhere you stand, you have a good view, and amazing artists are regularly playing.
Opening for Jacob Banks was Jamie N Commons, a British singer-songwriter. This voice—like Jacob Banks’—was powerful and soulful and his music was almost blues-like. It was not surprising why he opened for Banks, as his music was similar in its vibes. He is on tour with Jacob Banks for the next month as they go from the west coast across the country.
One could listen to Jacob Banks on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, etc. and think wow this is impressive, he is a pretty good artist.And, yes, you would be right, very right. But let me tell you, he is mind blowing live. Words cannot describe how powerful, soulful and unique his voice is. He commands attention, mesmerizing the audience with his deep, strong voice. His music is dynamic, his band is energetic, all in all his show was a ball.
I really enjoyed the lighting as well, because lets me honest, lighting/visuals can make or break a show (right?). He chose soft, slow moving lights that illuminated the stage with reds, purples, and blues. It was never overwhelming, but very complimentary to the performance.
I was surrounded by people who were having an amazing time dancing, singing, swaying, making friends with the strangers next to them. Over and over I heard people say to their friends, “Incredible. He is just absolutely incredible,” which seemed to be the consensus of the night. No amount of electronic Jacob Banks music could prepare us for the beauty of his live show.
BRIDGET BENEVIDES | “They won’t see me when I’m comin’” | KXSU Music Reporter