Photo Review: Outstanding production makes 2018 Urban Pop Showcase one to remember

Talented vocals, funky dance moves and 70s vibes filled the Curb Event Center Saturday as artists competed in the 2018 Urban Pop Showcase.

Joe Daccache got the night off to a great start with a performance that immediately got the crowd engaged. Daccache set himself apart with charisma and exciting dance moves, and the addition of a saxophone to his band took his performance to the next level.

Daccache closed his high-energy set with a cover of Chaka Khan’s “Tell Me Something” that had people dancing in their seats and singing along.

Grace Elizabeth Lee took the stage next with a simple setup that kept the audience focused on her ethereal voice. Lee appeared confident and comfortable and helped mellow the audience back out after Daccache’s upbeat performance.

The highlight of Lee’s set was a cover of “La Vie en rose.” Lee played acoustic guitar and sang in both French and English into her flower-covered mic stand, while a bubble machine made the scene especially memorable.

The atmosphere changed dramatically when Lovr. and Ohstoutt took the stage. The duo performed as a two-man show, but they had no trouble filling the Curb with energy and entertaining the audience.

A LANY cover and two originals rounded out the performance, which solidified the two freshmen as artists to keep an eye on.

From the minute his band took the stage, it was obvious Bren Joy’s performance was going to be one to remember. Not only did he draw the largest crowd to the front of the Curb, but his band and three backup singers performed an introduction to the set that only added to the audience’s excitement.

When Joy came out on stage, his original songs and outstanding vocal range left audience members in awe.

Joy’s original song, “Drag Race,” was the most emotional performance of the night. His vocals were taken to the next level with the help of his three backup singers, who danced with him on stage and kept energy levels high throughout the set.

Joy closed out the night with a cover of “Redbone” by Childish Gambino, inviting the whole crowd to its feet to sing along. His performance was highlighted with a balloon drop to close out the show.

Not only were the performances excellent, but this showcase was extremely well-produced, with artistic introductory videos, interesting lighting and fun special effects like bubbles, smoke and balloons.

Though Joy walked away with the victory, everyone involved in this showcase should be proud.

– –

This article written by Christiana Green. Photos by Carina Eudy, Shelby Thacker and Samantha McCall.