Issue date: 8/29/07 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Devon DeMarco Endless Escape performs its high-energy set at 'Cafe Under the Stars' in the Brower Student Center.

The tables were filled and the coffee was brewing as students gathered in the Brower Student Center for a night of music at Café Under the Stars. Not one song disappointed among the three local acts that entertained the crowd at the popular Welcome Week event.

A relaxed, coffee-shop atmosphere settled as the first act, The John Dutton Band, took the stage for an hour of acoustic, Jack Johnson-esque tunes. College seniors John Dutton and Eric Paulsen offered up a mix of familiar songs by The Postal Service and John Mayer as well as some original pieces, ending with their "Do You Believe in What You Like?"

In addition to Dutton's soaring voice and pleasing instrumental arrangements, the band's witty banter was a hit with the crowd. Between songs, Dutton imitated Will Ferrell's Robert Goulet and joked, "We stink because we didn't shower!" Despite the olfactory offense, the music had a decidedly positive effect on concert-goers.

"I liked the meaningful lyrics and the singer's voice," Sarah Lynch, freshman early childhood education major, said.

"Everyone stand up!" commanded Kait DiBenedetto of Endless Escape, taking the stage as the room transformed from a Starbucks-inspired atmosphere into a full-blown rock concert. Donned in tight shirts and even tighter jeans, Mark Antioquia, Mike Lynch, Matthew Vlossak, with DiBenedetto on lead, launched into a set of pop-punk songs worthy of a mosh pit.

The band played to and bantered with the throng of fans gathered close to the stage throughout the set, closing with its signature anthem, "Summer in Jersey."

DiBenedetto, the female lead singer and guitarist, shared that the College is just one of many Endless Escape performance spots, including The Bamboozle, where it played amongst well-established bands such as My Chemical Romance and Linkin Park.

The four members of The Progress soon made their entrance as the last band of the night. Members Eric McNells, Evan Weiss, Jason Dinapoli and Mike McNeils bring an original brand of indie rock to the stage.

"I like their style," Ben Varon, freshman business major, said as the group tore through its set list, ending with the adrenaline-inspiring "Straight Shot from St. Lou." The band's style is mainly derived from mid-1990s indie rock. Influences include everything from hip-hop to the Foo Fighters.

Throughout the night, the hosts continually urged student bands looking for a gig to contact the College Union Board. Judging from the incredible talent and pleased crowd at Café Under the Stars, both the student center and the Rathskeller will be the place to perform and enjoy music at the College throughout the coming year.

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