Wednesday night saw the 2023 Jazz and Rock Concert in the New Bury Theatre. This was the second contemporary music event of the academic year and featured performances from students from Shell to Upper Sixth.
The concert was an impressive showcase by Hurst’s rock, jazz, and pop musicians. The New Bury Theatre allowed the professional sound and lighting to heighten the fantastic musical work on display. The show opened with the Show Choir, performing ‘The Dream Giver Medley’ by Disney followed by Donatella M who sang ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi. Next, Jem D performed ‘Rumour has it’ by Adele accompanying his voice with his guitar. Jonathan G then accompanied Will G on the piano as they performed ‘Great Balls of Fire’ by Jerry Lee Lewis. Duo Joe T and Georgie CC followed with two performances of ‘Liquid Smooth’ by Mitski and ‘Its Oh So Quiet!’ by Björk. Lexi L and Ned B closed the first half of the show with ‘Can’t take my eyes off of you’ by Frankie Valli and ‘Maybe this Time’ by Liza Minnelli.
After a brief interval for refreshments and a collection for Cameron’s Orphanage, the second half kicked off the bands. The Shell band opened with ‘Happier Than Ever’ by Billie Eilish and ‘Rule the World’ by Take That. Remove band followed performing a four track set opening with ‘Clocks’ by Coldplay, ‘She Said’ by Plan B, ‘Mind Over Matter’ by Young the Giant and ‘Nina Cried Power’ by Hozier. The Fifth girls then put on a 90s inspired show with their singing and dancing rendition of ‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls – they definitely gave the Spice Girls a run for their money! Fifth Band also had a set of four songs for the eager audience, starting with ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ and ‘Live Forever’, both by Oasis, followed by ‘Let Me Entertain You’ by Robbie Williams and finished up with ‘Creep’ by Radiohead.
Closing the night, the Upper Sixth band also played four songs, starting with ‘I ain’t worried’ by One Republic, followed by a ‘Good 4 U / Misery Business’ – a mashup of two songs by Olivia Rodrigo and Paramore. ‘Mr Brightside’ by the Killers followed, before rounding their set with ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay. In response to the rapturous applause and cheers for an encore, they performed ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA to end the show. Not forgetting MCs Sophie N and Ollie H, who in between the acts, kept the audience entertained by witty banter and frequent puns!
“ We would like to thank all those who performed for putting on a fantastic evening of great musical performances. We would also like to thank everyone who came along to support the musicians. ” Ross Dickson, Graduate Music Assistant
