We Shot the Moon, an indie-rock band, took the stage at University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Pioneer Crossing on Sept. 26. Band members include vocalist Jonathan Jones, drummer Ben Hilzinger, bassist Andy Bruno and guitarist Michael Grimm. The event was part of a concert series scheduled by Campus Programming and Relations.
The night’s performance consisted of catchy songs like “When I’m Gone” and “Love and Fear.” Lighting, sound and the band’s stage presence transformed the venue from an eating area to a full-on concert hall. Jones even added his own quirky twist with a wardrobe consisting of cut-off jeans and bare feet.
The band, like all scheduled acts on campus, was chosen from a list provided by the National Association for Campus Activities. CPR staff members attend a yearly event hosted by the NACA in which all potential campus acts perform. We Shot the Moon was one band that made an impression.
“We normally schedule acoustic bands, so it’s exciting having an indie-rock performing artist with three studio albums here tonight,” said Derek Olsen, CPR event producer.
Concert attendees got to listen to a wide variety of the band’s music. Songs performed were selected from all three studio albums: Fear and Love, A Silver Lining, and Love and Fear. The audience’s reaction to the set was a positive one.
“I heard about the concert and looked the band up online,” said Hanna Fleming, freshman elementary education major. “I had never heard of them, but I would definitely buy their music after seeing their show. They’re fun and I like them a lot.”
Overall, the three-hour set drew a small enthusiastic crowd of students.
“We usually hope for two to three hundred people at the concert series,” said Kayla Bradley, Lead Event Producer of Campus Programming and Relations. “Student participation is what we aim for. Events like this are opportunities to witness up and coming stars or even relax and just do homework.”
We Shot the Moon’s campus concert proved entertaining for those who knew of their music as well as for the individuals that just came out to give the band a chance.
“I like the unknown underground type bands, they’re trendy,” said Mark Kalecheur, senior manufacturing technology and management major. “This is what I call a 3D activity because it’s not sitting in your room in front of a computer screen or video game. I love coming to on-campus activities like this.”
