Gabi Campbell | Photo Editor/Staff Writer |@angelikagabi
Tiffany Frandsen | News Editor | @tiffany_mf
Neon Trees are remarkably well-named. Maybe someone with synesthesia can confirm whether their music looks neon, because it certainly sounds that way.
On October 3, they returned to Provo (their band’s birthplace) to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Rooftop Concert Series with thousands of music fans in the last free installment of the summer.
They joined the Blue Aces and Fictionist as a surprise, announced just two days before the concert. The expected crowd was big enough to prompt a move in venue – from the rooftop of the Marriott parking garage a block south to Center Street in downtown Provo. The stage, vendors and sponsor tents shut down a few blocks of the street.
Such an epic concert hangover from @FictionistNoise and @neontrees. #rooftopconcerts pic.twitter.com/VYzrmvxFVp
— Brittany M. Plothow (@brittanyplo) October 4, 2014
I love @TheBlueAces1 @FictionistNoise and @neontrees SO much. Couldn’t have asked for a better line up. They amazing last nite. #fanforever — Aimee Vargas (@AimeeVargas22) October 5, 2014
The Blue Aces, four teenage lady-rockers from Provo, played fast-paced, emotional songs. Their sound and lyrics are creative and lack the cliché expected from a young band. They play with the confidence and boldness of experienced musicians and recently won Velour’s Battle of the Bands. They have promise, and deserve plenty of local support.
WHAAAT? @TheBlueAces1 covering Hall & Oats?! Well played. #rooftopconcerts — Aaron Nelson (@dat_avocado) October 4, 2014
just saw the @TheBlueAces1 and they are freaking amazing!!!! I’m a huge fan now!!! #yas #rooftopconcerts #provorocks — Emily Hamilton (@emham09) October 4, 2014
I’m digging @TheBlueAces1 at the #Provo #rooftopconcerts — Logan Bitter (@LBitter) October 4, 2014
shoutout to Weston for putting me on his shoulders so I could actually see Neon Trees!! #rooftopconcerts pic.twitter.com/ZU7dxupv1A — Rachel Fairholm (@rachelfairholm) October 4, 2014
City at War KILLS me. #fictionist #rooftopconcerts — Courtney Ruth (@CourtRuth) October 4, 2014
Also saw @theblueaces & @fictionist. You *need* this new music in your life!! #rooftopconcerts #provo #provorocks pic.twitter.com/DxlZyKe1hQ — TwilightMOMS (@TwilightMOMS) October 4, 2014
Neon Trees concert was surreal. You can tell how much Provo means to them. #provorocks #rooftopconcerts — Kathryn (@kathrynmarque) October 4, 2014
@neontrees live tonight was absolutely breathtaking. #rooftopconcerts #neontrees — Mary B (@be_maryy22) October 4, 2014
Tyler Glenn is more than a singer; he is a performer. By not seeing Neon Trees live, fans would miss is his delightful dance moves. He appears to have more moves than the kids in the Peanuts cartoon (probably. I didn’t count). He channeled Michael Jackson (successfully!) with plenty of spin moves and monster hands (yes, those ones, from Thriller), did the hand jive (think the clapping rhythm where you throw your thumbs over your shoulders, like the dance scene in Grease), popped his hips side-to-side, high-kicked and many more*.
@tylerinacoma seriously knows how to captivate an audience. He is so ELECTRIFYING and you can’t help but stare at him! #rooftopconcerts — Lauren Smith (@lauren_smith_17) October 4, 2014
Tyler is a hella good performer! #rooftopconcerts pic.twitter.com/jeCDntS3cO — Elizabeth Hackley ? (@ElizabethAnne_H) October 4, 2014
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Neon Trees was absolutely amazing last night. They’re so passionate about what they do it radiates into your body and you can’t help but smile. Definitely a concert I’ll never forget. @rooftopconcerts @official_neontrees #rooftopconcerts View on Instagram
The rest of the band brings a strong platform for Glenn to perform from. Elaine Bradley, the drummer, joined Glenn to sing. Happiness exuded from the stage. “I’m the happiest version of myself I have ever been,” said Glenn, when he talked about how grateful he is for Provo. He recorded his first album in Provo, he performed his first show at Oz, an old billiards/concert venue.
Phenomenal @neontrees show tonight! @tylerinacoma radiates with love, confidence, & passion. #RareQuality #rooftopconcerts — Chism Sorensen (@chismism) October 4, 2014
After the performances, Mayor John Curtis took the stage. Curtis and the city of Provo have been involved and supportive of the RCS. He proclaimed that October 2 would forever be Neon Trees Day in Provo, and proudly handed the band a key to the city.
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Here is Mayor Curtis giving the band a key to the city. Oct. 3 is officially Neon Trees Day. What a great night. #provorocks #downtownprovo #rooftopconcerts #neontrees View on Instagram
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Elaine from @official_neontrees was stoked to receive the key to the city. #rooftopconcerts #provorocks #elainesmash View on Instagram
Good news, Provo. Center Street is earthquake-safe. The thousands of music-lovers shook the block like a seismic test and not a single brick shook loose.
shoutout to Weston for putting me on his shoulders so I could actually see Neon Trees!! #rooftopconcerts pic.twitter.com/ZU7dxupv1A
— Rachel Fairholm (@rachelfairholm) October 4, 2014
I should’ve gone to the rooftop concert; Neon Trees wouldn’t lose to Utah State #provo #rooftopconcerts — Isaac Stevens (@ikestevens27) October 4, 2014
.@CJaneKendrick is my spirit animal. #ThatHairTho #RooftopConcerts
— _stellsworth (@stells_worth) October 4, 2014
last night’s free neon trees concert was dope! #neontrees #rooftopconcerts #provorocks pic.twitter.com/Dxjt2lv3xX
— ashlee hope. (@ashleerowberry) October 5, 2014
Shoutout to the lighting designers of @rooftopconcerts! It looks great, whoever you are! #rooftopconcerts
— Elisabeth K (@elisabeth116) October 4, 2014
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THANK YOU PROVO. Photo by @sammyssounds Thank you @rooftopconcerts #provorocks #hometownpride
