The Lakewood Project’s “Just a Girl” performance on Saturday, Jan. 25, was a night to remember. With an energetic mix of fun and vibrant music, they had the audience on their feet.
The concert’s title, “Just a Girl,” made it clear that every song featured was created by a female artist, empowering the female music industry.
Kicking off the show with “Just a Girl” by No Doubt, the crowd started in a groovy mood. A large group quickly formed in front of the stage, dancing and clapping along to the rhythm.
Songs like “Better Than Revenge” by Taylor Swift and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar kept the energy high, encouraging the crowd to keep dancing and enjoying the music.
“HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan got the crowd to do the iconic dance in unison, some say it’s this generation’s version of the YMCA.
The crowd came alive during “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo.
“Everyone was singing and screaming,” freshman cello player Kiera Jareke said.
The concert concluded with their classic hoedown, which finishes every show. It ended with a bang, and the audience buzzed with excitement.
Lakewood Project concerts stand out from typical orchestra performances because they pack more energy that’s hard to match.
“It’s way more fun compared to other orchestra concerts,” violinist Delia Jablonski said. “There’s music most people tend to know and there’s a pit in the front where everyone can dance.”
“In this performance, the energy on stage was great,” Jareke said. The excitement was contagious throughout the night.
The players in the Lakewood Project have creative freedom for their outfits with no strict uniform requirements. They can wear whatever suits them, including colorful and fun costumes. For this performance, the colors on the stage were exceptionally bright and could be seen from the back of the crowd.
Raiden Edmonds went all out for this performance, channeling his inner Chappell Roan with a long pink dress and a wig.
Jablonski used her creative freedom, choosing an outfit she felt confident in, a leather jacket paired with a cute black skirt.
“I love deciding what to wear, especially if there is a cool theme,” Jablonski said.
The Lakewood Project community stands out as one of the best. Jareke appreciates the people in the program, “it’s really nice to always have a support system.”
Whether you’re feeling stressed out or have a bunch of homework, the people in Lakewood Project are more than happy to help and accommodate your needs.
Lakewood Project has been running since 2002 and has been an ongoing legacy for 23 years. It’s run by Elizabeth Hankins, who was inspired by the Trans-Siberan Orchestra. She brought her vision to life, and it has thrived since day one. Hankins has the ability to ignite excitement in her students.
“It’s my responsibility to get people excited about [music],” Hankins said. “They need passion.”
Jablonski sure had a great time. She deeply cares about all aspects of the program: “I value the people and the music.”
Not only do the people in the program fuel the performers with excitement, so does the crowd.
“The energy the crowd gives during the songs makes me want to give my all for them,” Jareke said.
The pit dancing along with the music shows the performers that they care about their efforts, which result from all the practice they put in.
With more concerts in a few months, Jablonski insists on having an even larger audience: “I highly recommend going to any Lakewood Project concerts.”
Make sure to look out for the posters, they show the habitat you can expect to find when you go to these concerts.
The “Just A Girl” performance was spectacular and one-of-a-kind, it celebrated music and showed the strong bonds between the Lakewood Project community. They continue to create memorable experiences for both the audience and the performers.
The passion and excitement of everyone involved makes every concert feel unforgettable.
