Anniversary rained on but not washed out

Rain diminished the crowd at VCU’s 40th anniversary celebrationat Monroe Park, but didn’t stop dedicated fans from seeing their favorite local bands perform. The five participating bands were Becky Taylor & The Open Fire, Unheard Concept, Earthtone, Antero and The Taters.

“Thanks to everyone that voted for us and came out despite the rain,” said Becky Taylor, lead singer of bluegrass group Becky Taylor & The Open Fire. The anniversary was a reunion for Taylor, who performed in Monroe Park in 1969 when she was a freshman at VCU studying English and creative writing. The band performed a bluegrass rendition of Bryan Adams’ and Jim Vallance’s “Summer of ’69,” as well as original songs.

East-end metal group Unheard Concept pumped up the sound and showcased an amazing chemistry on stage, constantly joking and singing to their loyal group of fans. Unheard Concept lead singer and business administration major Andrew Saunders embraced the rain, even when he slipped at one point during the show.

“Honestly, people are going to laugh and have a good time if you do something stupid and are OK with it yourself,” Saunders said.

This was the group’s first family-oriented show, and the members were conscious of the audience’s reaction to their hard-core genre. In the end, Saunders was pleased with the diverse crowd.

“This was actually a big deal,” Saunders said. “We don’t have much of a VCU following. To get actually out here for a new market is great.”

The biggest crowd emerged during Earthtone’s soulful hip-hop set. An unscheduled group of mimes started dancing below the stage, which Earthtone’s band members found particularly amusing.

Earthtone’s manager, Meghan McCormick, drove out from her home state of New Jersey to watch the band. It performed last weekend for Howard University’s homecoming-another sign of success for the band.

“I feel like their mom . I am so proud of them,” McCormick said.

Sam Krivanec, bass player for reggae band Antero, watched Earthtone perform for the first time.

“I thought they were really good,” Krivanec said. “It’s good to have hometown talent out there.”

Spectator Charles Hunter was on his way home from work and stopped when he heard Antero perform. Hunter said had it not been for his umbrella, he probably wouldn’t have stopped.

“I just happened to have an umbrella,” Hunter said.

Krivanec – a former VCU student – thought the rain affected the turnout rate, but was pleased with the mixed crowd of families, students and everyday park dwellers.

“It felt really good to be part of the celebration and have the opportunity to play in Monroe Park,” Krivanec said.