Band combines audience participation and nonstop action for a killer show
They brought everything they needed — buckets, duct tape, ladders, a chainsaw, metal grinders, a jackhammer, and even the kitchen sink. The four guys from New Hampshire that make up Recycled Percussion definitely proved Monday night that one man's trash is another man's treasure.
Hosted by the University Activities Board (UAB), the 90-minute set was full of drumbeats that pounded in your chest and enough visuals to keep you hooked. Drummers Justin Spencer, Ryan Vezina, and Greg Kassapis pummeled on anything and everything on the Apollo Room's stage, and DJ Jerami Bellofatto effortlessly blended his own style of scratch with modern hits like "American Idiot," "Baby Got Back," and the classic "Back in Black."
Priding themselves on audience participation, Recycled Percussion had the crowd of over 100 on its feet and clapping to the beat. Drumsticks flew through the air as Vezina relied on students to play a game of catch. He never missed a beat.
"Audience participation was awesome," said Mike George, UAB Major Events Chair and an electrical engineering major. "Sometimes it's hit and miss on a Monday night (event), but it was awesome."
George saw the band perform at a student activities conference in Michigan last October and knew he had to book them. "This is what Wright State needs more of to bring people back to campus on nights and weekends," said George.
Recycled Percussion was born 11 years ago, but the lineup has changed over the years. Kassapis even left the band for about five years to pursue a business degree, but when Spencer called him up after he graduated, he couldn't resist coming back.
"Our show is structured for everybody," said Kassapis. "Whether they have rhythm or not, it's a heart-pounding show. Drums come from your heartbeat. It comes from your soul, and I think everybody feeds off of it in some way, shape or form. You don't have to be a drummer to like the show," he added.
When the band came out with ladders, the show went to another level. Tapping on the rungs as they climbed up, the band drummed a little harder at the top and jumped down while dragging their sticks as they descended.
"That was so cool!" said Trinh Pham, a senior majoring in mass communications. "I'm basically a klutz, so when they were doing that, they had to have a lot of practice to do it without breaking any bones," he added.
Breaking a stick, however, is all part of the show. "It's not really a concern. It's actually something we have to have. We expect it," said Vezina.
The band even used their voices for beatboxing, and the crowd just couldn't get enough. For the guys, the feeling was mutual.
"It's always a great feeling to know that the crowd is anxious to see us play and we're always ready for it. We'd love to come back and play for you guys and rock on," said Vezina.
To find out more about Recycled Percussion, go to recycledpercussion.com.