By: Ashley Ricks and Julie Robinson
On August 15 the New Orleans Arena was surrounded by crazed Jonas Brothers fans. Parents with their children and groups of teenage girls were ecstatic about seeing their favorite Jonas Brother. Everyone was anxious for the doors to open when they could rush to their seats, whether they be front row or nose bleeds. Anyone with Verizon Wireless phones could send in a text message to the giant screen suspended above center stage. Bursts of screams came from the audience as people sent variations of the message “SCREAM IF YOU LOVE THE JONAS BROTHERS” to the screen.
The lights dimmed and fans went wild as the first opening act, Honor Society, took the stage. However, as the band began to play, the crowd died down. This pop boy band’s sound was much too cheesy, even for a Jonas fan.
Originally, Jordin Sparks was the second opening act. Her doctor put her on vocal rest so she was unable to perform. The Wonder Girls took her place as the second opening act. This group of five girls is a pop sensation in South Korea. As for New Orleans, Louisiana, they’re lacking in the fan department. The girls tried to get the crowd involved by teaching the audience dance moves to their song “Nobody But You,” but nobody but they were doing the dance.
Finally, the lights dimmed for the third time and the only light came from the fan’s glow sticks. As the center stage rose and three shadows appeared, the beginning of their latest single, “Paranoid,” began to play. The song was barely audible because of the crowd’s piercing screams. The boys’ energy levels were high as they ran from one end of the stage to the other. The opening number showed this would not be an ordinary concert, but a show full of entertainment.
From trampolines to song lyrics falling in rain, the night was filled with surprising special effects. After Nick’s heartfelt performance on the piano, center stage was replaced with a trampoline. Joe ran from one end of the stage and Nick from the other; they met in the middle jumping on the trampoline and switching sides. Next, Joe proceeded to jump over various objects, including his brother Nick and his microphone stand. After that came Kevin’s moment to shine. While playing “Much Better” on his guitar, he did a flip off of the trampoline and onto the stage. Though all the special effects were very entertaining, one effect couldn’t have been less enjoyable to a certain section of fans. Kevin and Joe sprayed water from a water hose similar to the ones firemen use on one section of fans. When Kevin came out in a white raincoat carrying an umbrella, the crowd was puzzled. He walked to end of the runway, made a gesture, and fans roared as rain began to fall in a circle over the stage. The band began to play “Love Bug” and at the height of the song, hearts, lyrics, and silhouettes of the three brothers began to fall in rain. Needless to say, the audience was impressed.
As the encore came to a close, the crowd was sad to see them go. The opening number, song choice, and the special effects made this show a huge success for the Jonas Brothers and unforgettable for the fans.
