August 1st, Carrington Pavillion in Danville, VA was the setting for the latest in the Harvest Jubilee’s Concert Series. There was some excitement for this show, with Set it Off opening for the headliners, Skillet.
There was local band that kicked things off. Old 97 is a favorite of the area, and it’s easy to see why. Being a little over a week from the devastating news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away, they paid homage with several Ozzy and Black Sabbath covers in their setlist of classic rock covers. Opening with Ozzy’s “I Don’t Know” brought loud cheers and raised horns from the gathering crowds. The strength of the guitar work is definitely a strong point for this band, and they are one to watch.
The boys from the pop-punk phenoms Set it Off hit the stage next, ready to go as they called their fans to the front of the stage. Singer Cody Carson did not let sound glitches stop him from singing their first song, “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” The crowd filled in every word and he kept with them, until it was fixed. Their energy fueled set was full of fan favorites like “Fake Ass Friends”, and “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.” They closed out with “Punching Bag.” I have to admit, I was not familiar with them before this show. I was impressed with their stage presence, their pure joy in the performance, and most of all, their dedication to the fans. After their set, Cody Carson stayed on stage signing stuff for them, as the crew was taking down their set. Yes, I’ve seen that before, but this just seemed a bit more special.
Now, if you wonderful readers have read any of my work over the years, you know that Skillet is one of my favorite acts, for many different reasons. I have enjoyed watching their shows evolve over the years, as their catalog of music expands. They opened with the motivational anthem, “Surviving the Game.” The entire set was a great mixture of old favorites and new, soon to be favorites. All of my hard hitting favorites were there, like “Whispers in the Dark”, “Comatose” and “Those Nights.” “Ash in the Wind” and “Unpopular” from the newest album made the setlist as well. Singer John Cooper did not hold back with his signature powerful vocals. Kori Cooper and Seth Morrison delivered riffs that kept the crowd wanting more. Drummer Jen Ledger came out from behind her drums to sing “Hero” with John Cooper. The joy on her face was electric, as she greeted fans along the stage’s edge.
At the end of the show, there was a moment that made my “momma’s heart” fill with love. Guitarist Seth Morrison grabbed the picks off his microphone stand and walked over towards a family with a young son, standing next to me. Morrison handed the boy the pick. His eyes had to have been as big as saucers as he looked at his gift. He told me it was his very first concert. I just loved how thrilled he was! I hope to see him at the next Skillet show in our area. Let’s face it, you know I’ll be there, dear readers.
Review & photos by I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Michele Hancock
SKILLET
SET IT OFF
OLD 97
