Skip the double dates and block-party keggers for one night.
Pop Entertainment has planned an electrifying concert tonight at 8 p.m. in the Union Ballroom with musical talents Electric Six, The Minor League and Bobby Conn.
Opening the concert, former Northern Michigan University students Cory Phare, Ross Graham and Travis Burleson of The Minor League say they plan to rock out and "have a good time." The boys will be performing songs from their two albums, "Shot In The Dark" and "One Night Stand."
Even after performing with nationally recognized groups such as Spitalfield, Motion City Soundtrack and Fall Out Boy, the trio, originating in Marquette, Mich., still remain incredibly down-to-earth.
"(Fall Out Boy was) riding high on 'Take This to Your Grave' about a year ago just before (being played on) MTV. It was a fun show. A lot of our buddies are on their road crew now, actually," Phare said.
Phare, once an Upper Peninsula resident, is now in his second year of graduate school at MSU. "I love it here. I almost came here for my undergrad," he said.
Headline band and native Detroiters, Electric Six used to be the Wildbunch — literally and figuratively. After the band's 1996 start, the constantly evolving group agreed to change the name under new management in 2002 to get "a shot at the big time." Electric Six was born, and a year later the band released its first full-length album, "Fire." February marked the release of "Senor Smoke," the band's second and most recent compilation.
What's been consistent throughout the years is the band's fun and energetic set of lyrics and indie-rock vibe. For both newcomers and fans who attended their last MSU appearance with Junior Senior in 2003, another sellout show can be anticipated.
Bobby Conn, whose set is planned for 8:45 p.m., is known for his politically charged rock lyrics. The Chicago rocker in his late 30s is a father, but also is as daring as he's ever been. With his band Glass Gypsies, Conn puts bold statements and left-winged ideas to music on his 2003 album, "The Homeland."
Conn has his own philosophy, as well as strong views on America and its politics, which he isn't afraid to express to the audience through concert appearances. His personality is opinionated and his music reflects this well.
First-time Pop Entertainment Director Marc Nardacci is excited for tonight's show and is confident that "it's going to be great."
Doors open at 7:30 tonight at the Union Ballroom. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for general public. They are still available at CD Warehouse, 228 Abbott Road and Flat, Black & Circular, 541 E. Grand River Ave., as well as at the door.
