by John Downey '23 on December 2, 2021
A&E Co-Editor
Arts & Entertainment
Jack Downey ’23
The end of the fall semester is almost here, but before it arrives, there will be several concerts happening at Providence College this upcoming Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Dec. 3, there are three performances, starting with the PC orchestra’s concert at 4 p.m. This performance is sure to be one to remember and will take place at the Ryan Concert Hall in the Smith Center for the Arts. The PC orchestra is one of the best around, and this concert is certainly not an event to miss.
Shortly after this performance, the various a cappella groups at PC also have a concert. This is set to take place in ’64 Hall in the Slavin Center. The a cappella riff off which took place in McPhail’s in September was one of the biggest successes this semester, as attendees packed the bar, and the three immensely talented groups faced off on stage with Strictly Speaking ultimately being named the winner. However, the spirit of competition will be replaced with a spirit of camaraderie in this upcoming performance. Also, since the groups have had more time to practice their sets since the riff off, their performance this weekend is sure to be even better than it was in September.
Taking place in ’64 Hall at 7 p.m. will be a performance by PC’s jazz band. Led by Dr. Eric Melley, this concert is sure to astound. Featuring Latin rhythms, good old-fashioned swing, and even some ’80s pop out of left field, there is something here for everyone. The jazz and has worked diligently to make their set as polished and tight as possible; for those who have seen the ending of the movie Whiplash, it is not quite like that, but it is pretty close. Those who saw Dr. Melley and the jazz band in McPhail’s back on Oct. 15 know just how good this concert will be.
On Saturday, PC’s seminal rock band St. Joe and the Dorms return to the stage in McPhail’s at 8 p.m. Known for blowing the roof off of events such as Tune In and Stuartstock, the three young men who comprise the band are determined to top themselves and put on the show of the century. With rock classics, holiday tunes, and even an original or two, The Dorms are guaranteed to make everyone in attendance smile and sing along. This is the band’s second time performing at McPhail’s, so show them some appreciation and come by.
With just two weekends remaining in the fall 2021 semester, supporting these groups is a now-or-never opportunity. The music department works incredibly hard, and it always shows at the various concerts they put on around campus. For instance, on Sunday, Nov. 21, the Symphonic Winds, also directed by Dr. Melley, played a concert in Smith Hall, and it was spectacular. Everyone in attendance was truly awed by the music created by the variety of horns and percussion on stage. Those who go to any of the concerts this weekend will have the opportunity to experience such magic for themselves.