Flashing lights danced over Kansas State students as their arms flailed and bobbed to the beat of Grammy award-winning Jon Bellion’s songs. His flair took over his songs as he interacted with his band in remixing and twisting each song, and smiles flashed over the fans’ eager faces as Bellion reached out and grabbed their hands.
At one point in the concert, Bellion took a student’s phone on stage and took a video with it.
“(Bellion) seemed very genuinely in love with his craft and cherished the connections he made to the people,” said Joshua Smith, freshman in open option and owner of the phone.
The Kansas State Union Program Council hosted Bellion for its third annual K-State Proud celebration, Cattywampus, Thursday evening at Bramlage Coliseum.
After a performance by Pell, a New Orleans-based rapper, Jon Bellion took the stage and launched straight into his set with his chart-topping hit “All Time Low.”
Michael Varhola, freshman in construction science and management, said Cattywampus “brings a different music style to campus.”
“I think everyone liked how it was performed,” Varhola said.
Before Pell and Bellion, the concert opened with acts by Kane and Trey, a local musical duo. The duo performed covers and mashups of pop songs, as well as two original songs.
Cody Watson, senior in general management and human resources and UPC After Hours co-chair, said the committee put forth a lot of work to host the concert.
“There’s a lot of communication between several entities that must happen to pull off an event this big,” Watson said. “The event will bring a new music genre to campus … and should get people pumped up and ready for finals.”
According to the Union Program Council website, its mission is to “provide educational, cultural and social experiences by students for students and the K-State community.” In the past, the organization has brought artists and celebrities to campus, including Nick Offerman, Kevin Hart, Rainn Wilson and Will Ferrell.
