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Concert starts MU activity expansion

LATE NIGHT JAM: The Jake Allen Band performs in front of the Memorial Union on the Tempe campus Monday night. (Photo by Lisa Bartoli)
LATE NIGHT JAM: The Jake Allen Band performs in front of the Memorial Union on the Tempe campus Monday night. (Photo by Lisa Bartoli)

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A Phoenix-area band performed Monday evening on the north stage at the Memorial Union as part of a larger effort to expand activities and use.

The Jake Allen Band, originally from Grayling, Mich., is a part of the “Best of What’s Around” series which will feature more bands as early as the end of September, said Doug Smith, MU specialist for weekend and evening activities.

Smith said Allen was selected because he was consistent in pursuing ASU.

ASU is working to activate all parts of the MU during non-active hours, Smith said.

“You can liken the series to MU After Dark but unlike After Dark, we’re trying to expand all parts of the MU into everyday use,” Smith said.

The Jake Allen Band described their sound as “progressive ethereal rock.”

Lead singer Jake Allen plays piano, acoustic and electric guitar; Jacob Filarski plays bass guitar; Adam Hoppe also plays electric guitar; and Nick Hohn covers the drums.

Exploratory freshman Robyn Feeney was walking to meet a friend at Hayden Library when she heard Allen’s music.

“I’m pretty impressed. They sound pretty good,” Feeney said.

Creative writing senior Ashley Brand was “pulled in by the rhythm” as she walked across the Tempe campus to her apartment.

“It’s one of those things when you’re walking and it’s quiet and suddenly there’s this noise,” Brand said. “You just want to know where it’s coming from. I’m a big fan of impromptu shows.”

Los Angeles resident and producer Keely Grigel attended because she wanted “to sign them right away.”

“I came out from L.A. because I’m always looking for new talent,” Grigel said. “I actually saw Jake the other night sampling his acoustic and just loved it.”

Grigel said Allen has the technical ability to back up all the praises she offered.

Reach the reporter at crcruz1@asu.edu

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