Ryan Leslie Comes to Campus
Hakim Hill
Issue date: 5/30/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Most people don't know how hard a time Devan Carrington had when trying to put together a concert with the popular R&B artist and producer Ryan Leslie here at Bridgewater State College. They did not get a chance to see the SGA meeting, in which a few members of M.I.B sat in, to discuss the politics of using so much of the school's money towards an event like this. On the day of the event, they also did not get to see people work towards making the show as presentable as it was. It took a lot of hard work, but on April 11th, we had a very successful performance by Ryan Leslie and great openings by Bridgewater's own Jerard "J-Rod" Rhoden and Crystal Tavares.
Ryan Leslie came in a little late due to a delayed flight, but it was not noticeable. As loose as the area seemed to look, the Campus Center was very well secured. There were police officers everywhere, including inside the large ballroom, and metal detectors. The school was not taking any chances since they knew people who did not attend the school would be attending this concert.
The night started with Crystal Tavares performing a song which sampled the Tupac song "I Ain't Mad Atcha." The voice that crept out of her body was much unexpected; it was very powerful. After her, J-Rod was performing a few of his songs. With a lot of rap concerts, understanding the words is a hard thing to do, but J-Rod approached the show like a professional. With his Hype-men, Brian Bardouille and Mohammed Kanu, beside him, this opening was quite impressive. After J-Rod left the stage, a Bridgewater Alum by the name of Eric McDougald came back to perform.
After the opening show was finished, the main event began. Ryan Leslie took the stage performing a few of his hit singles as well as a new song. His performance was one to see because he is so animated on the stage. He jumped around to every instrument and gave everyone in his band solo time. He also gave us a sample of his keyboard playing. With all the trouble Devan, the class of 2011, and the CMA clubs went through to get him here, Ryan Leslie did pull through with an incredible performance.
Ryan Leslie came in a little late due to a delayed flight, but it was not noticeable. As loose as the area seemed to look, the Campus Center was very well secured. There were police officers everywhere, including inside the large ballroom, and metal detectors. The school was not taking any chances since they knew people who did not attend the school would be attending this concert.
The night started with Crystal Tavares performing a song which sampled the Tupac song "I Ain't Mad Atcha." The voice that crept out of her body was much unexpected; it was very powerful. After her, J-Rod was performing a few of his songs. With a lot of rap concerts, understanding the words is a hard thing to do, but J-Rod approached the show like a professional. With his Hype-men, Brian Bardouille and Mohammed Kanu, beside him, this opening was quite impressive. After J-Rod left the stage, a Bridgewater Alum by the name of Eric McDougald came back to perform.
After the opening show was finished, the main event began. Ryan Leslie took the stage performing a few of his hit singles as well as a new song. His performance was one to see because he is so animated on the stage. He jumped around to every instrument and gave everyone in his band solo time. He also gave us a sample of his keyboard playing. With all the trouble Devan, the class of 2011, and the CMA clubs went through to get him here, Ryan Leslie did pull through with an incredible performance.
Be the first to comment on this story