Most Recent PC Music Showcase at The Met Continues Hype

by Jack Downey '23 on May 30, 2023
A&E Co-Editor


Arts & Entertainment


In the past year, one of the most anticipated events of each semester is the concert, sometimes plural, at The Met. The last one, which took place in February during the coldest day of the year, was a surprise hit, with nearly 300 people coming together to dance away the icy blast. After that success, the excitement for the follow up was through the roof.

Once people returned for Easter Break, promotion began for the awaited sequel. The lineup would consist  of The Hopeless Romantics, The Grapes, and St. Joe and the Dorms. A portion of the proceeds would also go to the Izzy Foundation, a local charity that seeks to aid children with cancer. A flurry of Instagram posts ensued, as well as printed flyers that even made their way down to Eaton Street doorways. Before anyone knew it, the day of the concert had arrived: April 28.

Doors opened at 7:30 p.m., with The Hopeless Romantics going on at 8:00. The band consists of Declan Henry ’24 on vocals and guitar, Reid Kieper ’24 on vocals and guitar, Colin McNamara ’25 on bass, and Sean Smith ’24 on drums. Their set featured a 50/50 split between originals and covers. Old favorites such as “Twist and Shout,” made famous by The Beatles, met new covers, including an energetic take on Counting Crows’ “Accidentally in Love.” They showcased their writing chops as well, with their tried and true songs “She’s the Quiet Kind” and “Maybe We’re Not Meant to Be” mixing with newer tunes such as “Why’d You Have to Lie to Me?” Like a runaway train barreling towards a brick wall, the band tore through these songs with an energy that was only tempered by their attention to detail, making their set quite a compelling experience. Just as suddenly as it started, The Hopeless Romantics’ set wrapped up, and with a bow, the band exited the stage.

The Grapes were up next. On a bittersweet note, this show was the last to feature the classic lineup of Jack Wilmot ’24 (vocals), Ryan Peduto ’25 (guitar), Alex Rzehak ’23 (guitar), Ava Dobski ’25 (bass), and Brendan Greene ’24 (drums) since Rzehak is graduating. However, to send him off, the band played their tightest set to date, with their opener, Jimi Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower,” blowing people away. Indie favorites such as Mt. Joy’s “Sheep” met bombastic covers such as Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.” Each band member was at the top of their form, the songs gelling in a way that showcased serious evolution. The band even played Wilmot’s newest original, the genre-bending “Places I’ve Been.” Despite lineup changes on the horizon, it will be exciting to see what the band does going forward.

Finally, St. Joe and the Dorms took the stage. Working with the classic trio of Griffin May ’24 (vocals, guitar), Jack Downey ’23 (vocals, bass), and TJ Johnson, the band was practically bristling with energy upon picking up their instruments. After an introduction by Father Justin Bolger, O.P., the band tore into The Who’s “My Generation,” followed swiftly by The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” With reckless abandon, the band took on songs of all genres, with The Ramones meeting Kenny Loggins head on. Classic crowd pleaser “Sometimes I Think” was also not the only original, with a newer song, called “Talking to Her” making its way onto the setlist. Towards the end of their set, they decided to mix things up by inviting Peduto back up. At first he was on drums while Johnson hopped on guitar to cover AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.” However, the two switched for the final song in the set: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” Someone get me my keys!

The show was a massive success, raising over $1,000 for The Izzy Foundation. A fiery rock show that also benefits charity? Sounds like a win-win in my book!