Far East Movement, with special guest Miguel, rocked the stage on May 4 in Burruss Hall. This was one of the most underrated concerts of the year due to the last minute departure of Keri Hilson. Less than half of auditorium was full, but those who came were ready to party. The first performance started an hour late but the crowd seemed satisfied jamming to Virginia Tech’s own DJ Rhetorik. With popular hits like Travis Porter’s “Bring it Back” and Cali Swag District’s “Teach Me How to Dougie,” some students were dancing in the aisle in anticipation of the show.
The lights finally dimmed for Miguel as he approached his colorfully light microphone stand. Miguel is best known for his R&B single “All I Want Is You” featuring rapper J.Cole. His set list was a mix of neo soul, pop, and R&B songs including recently released “Sure Thing” and “To the Moon.” Miguel had an impressive vocal range, accompanying a great stage presence.
Up next was Far East Movement, who opened with a wave of energy and excitement that continued throughout their performance. The group has easily recognizable party hits like “Girls on the Dance Floor” and “Like a G6.” The four members – Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif, and DJ Virman – are of Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino descent. This is the first Asian-American group to have a top ten hit on the U.S. mainstream pop charts. Their climb up the charts is well deserved due to their creative twist on the concert. There was a mix of hip-hop, alternative rock and electro-pop. No song sounded the exact same as on their albums. By remixing their hits with other artists like the Beastie Boys and Linkin Park, they paid homage to their musical influences. The group excited the audience with constant dancing and throwing out free t-shirts and towels. The concert turned into a hot and sweaty dance party where at one point members threw water into the crowd.
After the show, Far East Movement and Miguel gave fans a surprise meet and greet to take pictures and give autographs. Both artists were amazing performers and the added bonus of meeting them really made this concert a great ending to the school year.