Over the years, Ben Rector has easily become Hope College's favorite musical guest. On Saturday, Sept. 18, he rocked Hope once again with his band with help from opener Judah And The Lion.
Thousands of Hope students and fans packed into Dimnent Chapel for the sold-out show. Even though temperatures were rising inside the un-airconditioned chapel, that didn't stop Judah And The Lion from bringing the audience to their feet. The band's mixture of folk and futuristic sounds made for a unique performance, complete with banjos, mandolins, and synthesizers. The band's fast-paced songs got the audience dancing and excited. Tunes like "Hold On" and "Kickin' Da Leaves" brought the energy up, and the audience went crazy as Judah And The Lion effortlessly transitioned into covers of "Built This City" and "Ignition (Remix)" complete with hilariously choreographed dance moves. Perhaps the most touching moment from was when they sang a song they had previously written in Dimnent. "Somewhere In Between" resonated with Hope students with lines such as, "I'm in love with Jesus./ I have so much hope and peace down in my soul./ I like drinking beer with dinner./ I like hanging out with sinners at my home./ But I ain't no preacher./ I ain't no heathen by any means./ I guess I lie... somewhere in-between." Overall, Judah And The Lion opened the show with a bang.
Ben Rector later took to the stage with his full band, and all of Dimnent went crazy. "This is my favorite college to play at," said Rector before transitioning into "Brand New," an upbeat tune about the exhilaration of rebirth. The rest of the concert felt like a rebirth from last year's as well. In 2014, Rector appeared on the Dimnent stage with only a piano and guitar. Now a year later, he appeared with dancing lights, fog machines, and a band of talented musicians behind him. Hope was obviously in for something brand new.
Rector highlighted songs from his newest album, which the audience still knew by heart. The light-hearted "Paris" featured a beautiful guitar melody and an accordion while the slower "Men Who Drive Me Places" paid homage to the hardworking men and women of America with less glamorous careers. Rector also delighted the audience with older songs. "Forever Like That" was raw and acoustic, as the band gathered around the piano at the front of the stage for a jam session. The popular song "When A Heart Breaks" sounded slightly different than Rector's recorded version, as it seemed to channel a U2 ballad-sound.
Perhaps Rector's greatest asset wasn't just his musicianship but his lyricism. Songs like "More Like Love" showcased the heartfelt lyrics listeners and audiences love to eat up. "I used to think I want to be famous/ ... But the funny thing is anytime I've gotten what I want it lets me down./...But I just want to look more like love./ It's one thing around here we don't have enough of./ I just want to look more like love."
Rector concluded his show with an encore dance party of the popular song "White Dress." All of Dimnent shook from the audience jumping up and down to the rhythm, and Rector even ventured out into the crowd as well. "I want to get this whole place dancing!" shouted Rector before leaping into the audience. The lucky few who got to dance beside him were more than thrilled while the rest of the crowd gathered in the excitement. By the end of the number, Rector thanked Hope and dashed out a side door.
Rector's concert certainly delivered Hope students a night to remember. After the performance, it was obvious to everybody why the college invites him back every year, and judging by the students' passion for his music, it's obvious to see why Rector keeps saying yes.
