Mike Posner, opening act overcome low expectations with success

By Stephen Brooks

Created:
04/13/11 11:35pm

Last updated:
04/13/11 11:57pm

1 comment

Up-and-coming pop and hip-hop performer Mike Posner’s concert Wednesday at the Auditorium definitely exceeded my expectations. I practically was unaware of his work prior to attending the show, but walked away impressed.

In fact, I only had heard two of his most popular songs, so I was skeptical about whether I’d enjoy the rest of his music.

But before I get to Posner, I have to talk about his opening act, Kelley James. As doubtful as I was about Posner, I overwhelmingly doubted whoever would be opening for him.

Who is Kelley James? Is it a female singer? Is it a band — a female band? I was clueless.

It turns out it’s a band who gets its namesake from the name of the Californian lead singer and guitarist. Just as with Posner, my expectations were blown out of the water. My concert experience is limited, but James was the best opening act I’ve seen in person.

They played a couple of original songs, which were excellent, but the highlight was when James asked the crowd for someone to yell out two of the most random words.

A girl who made her way up to the stage eventually delivered the wonderfully creative message, “Cucumber and pickle.” James continued to ask her name, her class standing and hometown. That was all he needed to continue on to a personalized freestyle song that got the whole crowd laughing.

When Posner finally came on stage, the crowd was electric. The energy never died down from the minute he stepped on stage until the minute he finished. I was impressed with Posner’s ability to keep the crowd involved and entertained.

His stage presence was impressive for such a relatively young artist, reminiscent of something I would expect from a veteran artist.

What contributed to keeping up the hype and energy in the venue was Posner seamlessly moved from song to song. Although it sounds simple, it’s not exactly a common practice at most concerts. Often, artists take their time between songs to crack jokes or tell a story.

At the conclusion of the performance, Posner faked an exit by saying, “Goodbye,” waved to the crowd and left the stage as it faded to black. Minutes later — after a series of cheers — he appeared back on stage wearing a MSU basketball jersey and performed his final song, “Cooler Than Me.” It was quite the crowd pleaser.

Kelley, who has been touring with Posner for weeks, said at the conclusion of his performance that Posner has been saying for weeks, “Just wait until we get to State.”

It’s safe to say he exceeded my expectations, and I’m assuming the MSU crowd met his.

Commentary

Add your $0.02, go to the comment form or follow the comment feed

Dazzle

(04/21/11 12:59am)
Report

Yesss, I was there.. Im a Wayne State Unversity student and I rented a car and drove all thee way up there…it was definitely worth it. I knew what I was going for, Mike Posner! I just love him soooooo much..i wouldnt have missed itfor the world! #BestConcertEver…<3

About Entertainment Blog

The features desk discusses everything from weekend happenings to the latest movies, music and celebrity gossip.

Check out the Entertainment Podcast for more from the features desk.

Follow this blog in your feed reader

TSN BLOGROLL More »

FEATURED CLASSIFIEDS: More classifieds »

In Employment:

In Duplexes/Rent:

618 STODDARD. Rent now for fall.

In Houses/Rent:

FRESH CONTENT More »

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK:More reprints »

Westboro Baptist Church member Shirley Phelps-Roper of Topeka, Kan. holds up signs at a 30-minute protest ...
Junior center outfielder John Martinez bats a ball. The Spartans defeated the Gophers by, 3-2 within ...
From left, human biology junior Shaylyn Sinclair and media arts and technology senior Stephanie VanDoorn ...
Communications senior and cook for Spartan Signature Catering, Jeremy Epley makes pulled pork sandwiches ...
Breakdancers from two competing crews square off Saturday afternoon at Red Cedar Ransom. The breakdance ...