(Logo property of Mix 93.3)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Two pop powerhouses teamed up to electrify Kansas City!
International music phenom Adam Lambert and Grammy-winning a cappella sensations Pentatonix headlined KMXV Mix 93.3 FM’s Jingle Jam and both acts took the Silverstein Eye Center by storm. For both artists, the Jingle Jam marked their respective third and second times performing in front of a Kansas City audience and their final concerts of 2015.
Both superstars have had an incredible year. Adam released his third studio album (and first on new label: Warner Bros. Records), which peaked at number two of Billboard’s US Digital Albums and number three on the US Billboard 200. Meanwhile, Pentatonix received a Grammy Award for their Daft Punk medley; opened for Kelly Clarkson on her Piece by Piece tour and made a cameo in Pitch Perfect 2.
Before they took the stage, Mix 93.3 introduced us to two new music personalities who might shake up the music scene. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based artist Daya freshly arrived from her debut on Live with Kelly & Michael. The 17-year-old brilliantly showcased her artistry by highlighting her three songs from her recently released self-titled LP. Between her material and her superb vocals, I think we are going to hear more from her in the future.
After receiving an introduction from Jenny Matthews, MAX blazed his set. Max Schneider has been extremely active in the 2010s. As an actor, he made appearances on numerous teen shows and films such as Beauty & the Beast, Crisis, Figure It Out, Love and Mercy and played the male lead, Zander Robbins, in the Nickelodeon series How to Rock. However, 2015 was a breakthrough year for MAX as a musician. He signed with DCD2 Records, released his second studio album (NWL) and toured with Fall Out Boy, Wiz Khalifa and Hoodie Allen this past summer.
As I watched MAX’s set, I noticed one quality that immediately set himself apart from other pop stars in his generation: his unforgettable swagger. It looked like he did his homework as his choreographed moves channeled both the late Godfather of Soul and the late King of Pop. In addition, his superb falsetto put him in the same league as Ryan Tedder, Justin Timberlake and several of the night’s performers including Pentatonix’s Mitch Grassi and Adam Lambert. Between his choreography, swagger and voice, MAX might fill the void One Direction left behind and challenge Justin Bieber, Austin Mahone and Cody Simpson for the title of Prince of Pop.
(Photo property of Jacob Elyachar)
If you have read Jake’s Take before, Pentatonix holds a very special place in the heart of this pop culture blog. I have interviewed both Grassi and Kevin “K.O.” Olusola, named their self-titled album and PTX, Vol. III as Albums of the Year and was among the reporters invited to cover their debut concert at the Midland in 2013.
When my friend and MIX 93.3 personality, Dave O, introduced the quintet, the sold out crowd of 6,000 rose to their feet and screamed for Grassi, Olusola, Scott Hoying, Avi Kaplan and Kirstie Maldonado as they took the stage and performed several of their tunes form their self-titled album including “Cracked” and “Misbehavin’.” Among the highlights of their quintet’s set included “The Evolution of Michael Jackson,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and their Grammy-winning “Daft Punk.” As Pentatonix continues to put a cappella music in the forefront of the mainstream music industry, this group has inspired countless of kids and adults around the world to pursue music and I cannot wait to see what is the next chapter in their career.
(Photo property of Jacob Elyachar)
As Mix 93.3 personalities Steve Serrano and Nate the Intern (dressed as a Christmas elf) warmed up the crowd for the Grammy nominee and Idol alum, I talked to numerous attendees who saw Adam Lambert and they told me that I would enjoy watching him perform. They were right! Adam strutted out in an all white outfit (which included a white Vivienne Westwood hat) and without missing a beat, he performed “Ghost Town” and flew into “Evil in the Night.” I was awestruck with his artistry as he performed a Reggae-infused “If I Had You” and an acoustic version of his Grammy-nominated hit: “Whataya Want from Me.”
One of the biggest highlights of Adam’s set when the entertainer fused his 2012 hit “Trespassing” and “Another One Bites the Dust” together. The combination let Adam showcases his signature vocal acrobatics and command the audience’s attention that I have not seen in today’s modern day music industry. I hope that Adam returns to Kansas City soon and brings Queen with him!
This was the perfect way to end 2015! Bravo to Mix 93.3 and all of the artists involved in this concert!
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