By Christina Chipman

During the three months of sunshine and independence, a few of Plymouth High School’s own experienced the opportunity of attending a concert, and learning more about their favorite bands and artists.
Every summer, bands and artists tour around the nation, debuting new singles and displaying their talent to millions of fans. Junior Jared Hill attended 311 in Indianapolis with his girlfriend, Morgan Sissel. With its mainstream popularity, 311’s energy pulsated throughout the crowd, leaving an undeniable mark upon the audience. Hill describes his favorite aspect of of the concert being “the crowd’s energy! And of course, just listening to the music.” Hill’s favorite part of the concert was the encore because it was “sick.” Since about 2003, Hill has been a fan of the five man phenomena. For seven years, the music has “positively” impacted Hill with its uplifting, reggae style music.

Senior Olivia Houin experienced the beats and styles of the band, Jukebox the Ghost in Chicago. Houin attended the concert with her sister, Clara, who first introduced her to the band, about two years ago. Often, music plays an important role in one’s life, as lyrics can often say the words that are too hard to be spoken. “Victoria, approached me with a fire in her eyes…and I was burning love,” is a lyric in which inspires Houin because “it’s love, one of the most intense emotions I’ve ever felt.”  The alternative expression of Jukebox the Ghost’s music guides Houin through “so so days.” Houin divulges, “ My favorite aspect of the seeing the band live is to see them as human beings, and the band makes a mistake, it’s okay because you’re there laughing with them.” Houin’s favorite part of the concert was “when the lead singer asked for water and I threw a water bottle at him…not hard, but he caught it.” As this being Houin’s first real concert, Jukebox the Ghost left an impression for her that will enrich the music that inspires her to get through each passing day.

After already seizing the opportunity to see Nickelback, Hinder, Saving Abel, Papa Roach, Owl City, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers live, senior Lauren Kelso joined thousands to see one of the most well known artists in the hip hop business at the Indiana State Fair. Drake performed for the enthusiastic crowd on August 13th. Kelso describes, “Drake put on an amazing show but my favorite part was when JUSTIN BIEBER walked onto the stage.” “I’m living life right now and this is what I’m going to do till it’s over, till it’s over, but it’s far from over..” is a Drake lyric which inspires Kelso because “it’s the beginning of my senior year, and I’m ready to live it up.” Even though Drake wasn’t the only artist at the fair that completely won her heart, Kelso would “love to see Drake again because he put on an amazing show.”

Senior Dylan Rhoads is no stranger to concerts, and this summer wasn’t any exception. Rhoads attended the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival in Indianapolis. The Mayhem Festival tours the United States yearly, displaying the best of the metal genre. Rhoads explains, “Music is a huge part of my life.” Being an avid lover of music and concerts, Rhoads often finds connection to the music she listens to. “This beautiful tragedy is crashing into me. This lying destiny, take me away,” portrays Rhoad’s life lyrically because “I have a lot of good but also a lot of bad things happen in my life and I like to call it a beautiful tragedy.” After attending the Mayhem Festival in 2009 as well, Rhoads ensures that the Festival will be on her summer to-do list next year because “I love their music and I enjoyed their concert.”

Despite the versatile genres of music, the students who attended concerts over the summer have a thing in common. Music moves them each in an individual way, and it will forever play an influential role in their lives.