Coog Radio Updates

Pentatonix Brings the Beat Back to Bayou Music Center

Written by Coog Radio on March 28, 2015

Photo by Sarah Hoffman

The fact that there were absolutely no instruments on the stage of the Bayou Music Center on Wednesday night hinted towards the fact that it was going to be a different kind of show. No other band was needed to get the audience hyped up as Pentatonix hit the stage without an opening act. The sold out show was all for the Grammy-winning a cappella band alone, and they did not disappoint!

Kirstie Maldonado Photo by Sarah Hoffman

Starting out the show with their cover of Ariana Grande’s “Problem,” complete with Iggy Azalea’s rapping by Mitch Grassi, Pentatonix had the crowd singing along with them from the start. After that, they transitioned into an amazing medley of Beyonce’s hits that included some Destiny’s Child favorites like, “Survivor,” “Bootylicious,” and “Say My Name,” as well as the Queen B’s singles like, “Crazy In Love,” “Girls,” and “Single Ladies.” The band delivered a range of Beyonce’s old school classics to current chart toppers to the diverse crowd, all in one brilliant mash-up.

They continued with their cover of “Telephone,” which they explained was the very first cover they ever recorded, and then electrified everyone with their own Sam Smith special, “La La Latch.” The band clearly loved being back in Texas and felt the love coming back from the audience. In fact, the love was so strong that they performed “Love You Long Time” for the first time on tour.

Afterwards, each member talked a bit about their beginnings in Arlington, Texas (Scott Hoying also mentioned that two of his former music teachers were in the crowd that night, and that he felt the added pressure). The band went from winning the NBC show, The Sing-Off, to having a record label, to being dropped by the record label. Mitch Grassi explained how this was a blessing in disguise as it made the band turn to YouTube, where they now have a whopping 7.6 million subscribers and resulted in them being signed by a new label.

Scott Hoying Photo by Sarah Hoffman

The show continued with Kevin Olusola breaking out his infamous “celloboxing” solo and amazing everyone with his talent. The rest of the band joined him after a while with a cover of Imogen Heap’s “Aha.”

Kevin Olusola Photo by Sarah Hoffman

They continued with “FourFiveSeconds,” and much to the delight of everyone, the band went off stage and walked out into the audience while singing (this being the closest I may ever come to Grammy-winners). After making a huge sweep all the way to the back of the crowd and back to the stage, Mitch had to share what was going through his mind while among the crowd. I quote,

“Oh My God. Everyone here is SO. CUTE.”

We think you’re pretty cute too, Mitch!

Mitch Grassi Photo by Sarah Hoffman

The night went on with their cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On,” but that song isn’t really complete unless you’re serenading to someone. Pentatonix didn’t overlook the fact, as Avi Kaplan brought a lucky lady from the audience onto the stage!

Avi Kaplan Photo by Sarah Hoffman

I definitely can’t skip out on mentioning the band’s amazing “Evolution of Music,” which includes everything from Gregorian chants from the 1100s to “Call Me Maybe.” After singing a few of their originals “Standing By,” “See Through” (a mash-up with Ariana Grande’s “Break Free”), and “On My Way Home,” the band said goodnight.

However, the audience was not satisfied and chanted for an encore. Pentatonix ran back out to appease and asked everyone in the audience for pin-drop silence as they sang “That’s Christmas To Me,” unplugged. It was probably the only time I’ve heard of a concert crowd not cheering being a good thing. The band ended the night with a mashup of Daft Punk songs that left the Bayou Music Center on a high note.

The concert was definitely one to remember, and as many times as I see music performed a cappella, the talent always astounds me. So it is safe to say, Pentatonix blew my mind.