Lanco brings the energy to Tarleton State University

BY MICAELA SULLIVAN

Multimedia Journalist

Rain, 19 mph wind and lightning could not stop the energy Lanco brought to Tarleton State University. The concert, held for students on Sept. 5, had free food and began with a DJ’s performance.

Formed in 2013, Lanco (short for Lancaster and Company) is a Nashville, Tennessee-based country band. The band consists of lead vocalist Brandon Lancaster, bassist Chandler Baldwin, keyboardist and banjo player Jared Hampton, guitarist Tim Aven and drummer Tripp Howell. 

The concert, in parking lot P30, was filled with food trucks where students could eat for free. Food trucks included: A&J Elotes, Vietnamese Cuisine, Mama Lama, Udderly Delicious, Speedy Spudz and The Shack and Cowtown Dogs. 

While all the food trucks had long lines, The Shack seemed to be a fan favorite with a line cutting through half of the parking lot. 

As students grabbed food, Oscar P made an entrance on a golf cart, energizing the crowd. As the parking lot filled, a DJ opened the show.

As the DJ’s music bounced off the walls of the new EECU Center and surrounding buildings, storm clouds rolled in. Due to the approaching thunderstorm, event coordinators delayed the show to get people to safety. While students were disappointed in the delay, they did not let that stop them from showing up for Lanco.

However, once the delay was lifted, students strolled back into the parking lot with just the same amount of energy, yelling to tracks like Travis Scott’s “FE!N.” The energy only grew stronger. Students danced to line-dance favorites like “Flex” and “Copperhead Road” before Lanco’s entrance lit up the night.

As the band members made their way to the stage, purple show lights flashed on the crowd filled with purple outfits and boots decorated with purple ribbon and rhinestones. 

Even as it was raining lightly, the crowd's cheers still echoed across campus. Lead vocalist  Brandon Lancaster kept the energy up as he jumped and moved across the stage. 

Hailey Wells, a Freshman at Tarleton State University, reflects on the experience.

 “It was a lot less hype then I thought it was going to be, however, the pit was hype, and we were very interactive with the band and photographers. I felt like a lot of us down there were vibing,” Wells said.

The energy from all of the band members was out of this world. Towards the end of the concert, Lancaster headed down into the crowd to have one-on-one time with fans. 

President Hurley and the First Lady, Kindall Hurley, showed their support for the band as they gifted the band a jersey with “29” on it. Hurley continued interacting with students, taking selfies and smiling at everyone. 

As the concert came to an end, Lancaster left some inspiring words for the crowd. 

“What I see is people on a journey, people writing stories. And in those stories you will have mountain tops and you will have valleys, and if anyone tonight is in one of those valleys, just like this storm passed over, those storms come in life,” Lancaster said.  “If anyone is going through a storm tonight, I want to leave you with one positive message tonight: You are not alone, and you are loved.” 

He continued by thanking the fans who showed up despite the spotty weather.

“Thanks so much for hanging out with us tonight. It means the world, seriously. It means so much on a Friday night that y’all come out here. Thank you for letting us be a part of your culture and your community tonight, Texans. Thank you for being here … One thing: feel good, be safe and free,” Lancaster said. 

As the band exited the stage, the crowd shouted, “One more time,” not wanting the show to end. After the concert, a line formed as fans patiently waited to take pictures with the band and get shirts, bandanas and even phone cases signed.

The Lanco concert's energy was truly out of this world – a night both Lanco and Texans will remember and cherish for years to come.