Every year UMass students anxiously await the announcement of the spring concert, always hoping for it to top the previous year. This year the lineup for the concert was impressive, with nostalgic performer Jay Sean and big names like Don Toliver and Coi Leray. The anticipation for the concert felt greater than the concert for the 2021-2022 school year, which, in my opinion, failed to meet expectations. However, this year seemed to have been received much better than the last and with much less waiting as well.
Since we waited so long at the Mullins Center last year, my friends and I decided to take our time to arrive, which did result in us missing Jay Sean (I just wanted to hear him sing “Down”…I am devastated). I overcame my devastation when we got there, as Don Toliver came on stage only a few minutes after our arrival. We had floor tickets, but absolutely no desire to be at the front of the stage. I can’t imagine being up there and fighting for my life in the heat and cramped space. I could barely handle being in the back with a few people behind me.
Being on the floor was definitely a different experience than being in the bowl. My view was severely obscured by everyone, since I am actually very short. However, when Coi Leray made her move into the crowd, it was quite the experience. The energy she had during her set was unmatched, and she overall was an incredible performer. She definitely knew how to cater to the audience; her move to become part of the crowd and crowd surf made her stand out even more. I would have to say she was my favorite part of the show.
The headliner, Don Toliver, put on another great performance. The production on stage made it enjoyable, even though I couldn’t see him most of the time. However, at one point, he came to the very edge of the stage and I questioned if he was going to pull a Coi Leray. He didn’t, but I was able to see him beyond the sea of tall people nonetheless. I was impressed with the energy brought on stage by each of the performers. Don Toliver saved his iconic song “After Party” for last, which reignited the original burst of energy at the audience from the beginning of the show. Everyone around me seemed to enjoy the concert, and I can’t say I felt the same last year.
Overall, each of the performers that I saw made the ticket well worth the 25 dollars I spent. I would even go as far as to say that I would see Coi Leray and Don Toliver again if given the chance. They made sure to bring energy and create a fun environment, even if it was just for us college kids. It felt like a true concert, one that you would drive to attend at a big stadium. I was impressed and glad that I made the decision to go.
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