5 Star Legacy Summer Bash (Brent Brown Ballpark-6/13/15)

The 5 Star Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to help children and families all over the world; they help to break the cycle of poverty.  They sponsored a music festival held on the baseball field at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. There were food trucks, sponsor booths, a raffle, and amazing music. The festival was full of people of all ages; many families, young adults, and people who seemed to be a few years past their prime that were all just dancing and having a good time. It was, as Cristal Ramirez of The Blue Aces so perfectly put it, Provo's own little Coachella.

The first artist I saw was indie pop rock singer Alex Winston. My favorite part of her performance was simply the way she held herself on stage. She took control of the stage, acting like a weathered veteran of the music industry. I love when an artist is able to just take an audience, who may or may not have any idea of who they are, and just make them get into their music. Alex makes quality songs about topics that young women can relate to, she has an amazing voice, and she is going to go places.

Yes You Are is touring with Neon Trees, who also performed, so naturally they accompanied them to this event. They are an alternative rock group who give one hell of a live show. This group left everything they had on the stage and were so energetic. Each and every member of this band just looked so happy and grateful to be playing. They were able to take their music to a new level; they played it in a way that makes you wonder if you're missing out with every other song you've ever heard, because you can hear the raw energy and emotion in each and every note. This is a band that can make a name for themselves simply by word-of-mouth about their kickass live performances (though it helps that their music is also kickass).

After that came The Str!ke. I had no idea what to expect from them to be honest, because while I listen to all the bands before I went to the concert I didn't exactly know who was who. Right after the first song started, the whole crowd was moving. I feel like The Str!ke is what would happen if The Tonight Show Band performed Rocky Horror Picture Show with Michael Buble singing, and then they dressed up like hipsters and toddlers (I mean this in the best way possible). They combine techno with indie rock and then add in the blues; I fucking love it. Not only was their music absolutely amazing, but they had a stage presence that rivals that of the all powerful Panic! At The Disco (and now that I think about it they kind of dress like them, too). Some much emotion and energy was used to perform each and every song. They played some fucking amazing dance music with some soul; that is the best way I can state it.

The Blue Aces played after that, and they were fabulous. They are an indie rock band out of Provo, Utah made up with four badass babes. Their music has so much heart, and they all have so much talent. I loved how they weren't afraid to show their personalities and be themselves, instead of putting on some sort of persona like so artists do. The bass is more prominent in their music than most other bands I listen to (especially indie rock) and I absolutely love it. They put on the best show they could and performed with maturity and class. They were able to use their music to get people to pay attention to them, not crazy outfits or flashy instruments, just their music. People were able to fully appreciate and absorb their music.

Big Data was up next and they put on an amazing show. I was a little unsure about how they would be live, considering the fact that there is a different singer featured on each track of their album, but they made it work and it sounded amazing. There were a lot of people around me who weren't really getting into the music and hadn't heard of them before, but when they played "Dangerous" (last song, after a long robotic voice giving a spiel about how we need to reach certain levels of volume for Big Data to come back out and do their encore) people got into and were singing along. I'm not a huge fan of techno music, but I absolutely adore Big Data. I'm not sure what it is, but they make me happy.

The sixth act I saw was Fictionist. They are an alternative rock group from Provo, Utah that are unlike anything I've ever heard. They combine a lot synth, subtle drum beats, and 70s-style guitar riffs to create something all their own. Most of their songs seems to be about love, both the good and the bad. They take full advantage of the multitude of sounds a synthesizer can provide; each of their songs having different sounds. One of my favorite aspects of their performance was just the querkiness of the band members; half the band looked like their outfits were from the wrong decade, another wearing a batman shirt with the Big Data logo stuck on to give the bat a head, and the drummer had on a Mickey Mouse t-shirt and and SF Giants baseball cap. There was nothing wrong with it, I just love people that wear whatever they want and just be them selves.

Last, but not least, was Neon Trees. I'm sure most everyone who is reading this knows who Neon Trees are, but if you don't , they are a rock band from Provo, Utah. They are very well known within, both, popular and alternative music circles. This was my third time seeing them in concert, and it was by far the best (to me). I feel like now that Tyler (lead singer and keyboards) is open about his sexuality, he is able to just be himself. He no longer feels self conscious about how he is acting and what he is wearing; he is completely comfortable being himself and he is able to let loose. Neon Trees always put on a good show, and I secretly hope (very selfishly, I might add) that part of that is because they're playing for a hometown crowd and they want to make sure they give us a great performance. I don't actually believe all that though, because I feel like these people are all just the type that have to do everything 100% or not at all. My personal favorite was a cover they did of "Come On, Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners; I grew up listening to that song in the car with my parents and it has grown to become a favorite of mine. The whole performance was absolutely spectacular and I hope I get to see them again soon.

After the festival, I was able to talk with Yes You Are and The Blue Aces. I talked with Kenna, the bassists for The Blue Aces, for a little while and she is so sweet and was actually trying to get to know me a little bit; that really meant a lot to me and I'm really grateful that she cared enough to do that. I also talked a bit with Willie, bassist for Yes You Are, and he was such a cool guy. He was really friendly and just seemed genuinely happy to be there and get to know fans. These two bands were so gracious and polite. I also got pictures with Richie from Fictionist and Alex Weston. I'm always so happy when bands take time to do stuff for fans and make sure they feel appreciated.

This was an amazing event, for an amazing cause. I will be sure to be back next year, especially if they have as good a lineup as they did this year. The first time I saw Neon Trees, I remember Tyler Glenn talking about how he and Chris (guitar) came to Provo because it had such an amazing music scene; I had no idea what he was talking about, but after attending this festival and seeing these great, local acts I think I finally understand. I can't wait to see what other talent yet to be discovered in the Salt Lake Valley.

5 Star Legacy Foundation's Website
Alex Winston's Website
Yes You Are's Website
The Str!ke's Website
The Blue Ace's Website
Big Data's Website
Fictionist's Website
Neon Trees' Website