The long line outside of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center reflected the excitement and anticipation of Shippensburg University students on Saturday night for the Bazzi and Bryce Vine concert.

In November, SU’s Activities Program Board (APB) announced the pop singer as the start of their “Xperience: Powered by APB” concert. Students could purchase tickets at a discounted rate and the concert hall was packed. 

Ohio native Daydream Masi opened for the main performers, and brought a mix of R&B and rap to the stage. His songs were slow and relaxed, warming up the crowd as he performed in front of a screen that constantly changed between psychedelic colors and images. 

Bryce Vine followed Daydream Masi, and was very interactive with the crowd. Vine let fans sing the beginning of a few songs, encouraging their participation. He let himself get into the music with his charismatic dance moves and bright personality.

Vine sang some of his popular songs like “Sour Patch Kids,” “Drew Barrymore,” “Sunflower Seeds,” “La La Land,” “Los Angeles” and “Bang Bang,” which featured a trumpet player that got the crowd cheering and dancing even more. 

Vine, who is a rapper from New York City, joked with the audience about how he is not used to a rural town like Shippensburg.

“I saw my first — what do you call it, Amish,” Vine said to a laughing audience. 

Finally, Bazzi took the stage singing “Soaring,” and his intro was dark and mysterious. Bazzi’s music is more of a pop and contemporary R&B mix. He sang most of his songs from his “Cosmic” album. 

Bazzi’s performance had three large screens that featured all the elements, from fiery flames to cool drops of rain, and the purple swirls of a galaxy to go with the theme of his album. 

Some songs he performed included, “Gone,” “Why,” “Star,” “Alone,” “Honest,” “Fantasy” and “Myself.” Bazzi then got more personal and spoke to the crowd before singing one of his most popular songs, “Beautiful.”

“Shippensburg, you are so beautiful tonight,” Bazzi said as the crowd’s volume grew because they knew what song was coming next.

After “Beautiful,” there was a transition between his last few songs, including covers of Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning.” Bazzi forgot a couple of the lyrics, but recovered from it in stride. He also covered Drake’s “Hold on, We’re Going Home,” and Usher’s “There Goes My Baby.” 

Bazzi also played guitar for a few of his songs. He finished up his set with a few more songs from his album, including “Dreams,” “Myself,” “Changed,” “3:15” and finally, his most popular song that has been featured on the radio, “Mine.” 

Bazzi put his all into the final song to which the crowd knew every word. He let the audience sing the last line a cappella to close the concert.

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