Taylor Tote Band Revives The BJC With Classic Melodies and Pop Hits
New Jersey-based group Taylor Tote Band took the stage at the BJC and got right down to business, reviving a dwindling crowd in the stands.
The band, named after lead singer (Taylor Tote), opened with Lady Gaga’s “A-Yo” and quickly transitioned into “Love Me Again” by John Newman. It took the crowd a little while to catch up, but once it heard choruses it knew and recognized, the energy picked up. Tote’s pink and yellow sequined jacket shimmered in the changing lights, making her the focal point of the performance.
During the band’s rendition of “How Deep is Your Love” by Calvin Harris and Disciples, the rhythm in the BJC picked up as dancers and spectators jumped around to the beat.
Before moving into its next song, Tote spoke to the crowd for the first time.
“We’re very honored to be here,” she said. “We’re very honored when the THON committee asked us to play our original song called ‘Fighter.'”
Tote explained that the song, available on iTunes, was inspired by a 7-year-old pediatric cancer survivor and her older sister, who shaved her head three in support three times. All of the proceeds from the song go to childhood cancer research.
After “Fighter,” Tote got the everyone in crowd clapping their hands and shaking their stuff to Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie.” A few THON participants dancing on the floor were featured on the jumbotron.
Continuing its performance, Taylor Tote performed hit after hit, including “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5, “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, and “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars.
During a rendition of Beyonce’s “Love on Top,” Tote stopped the song abruptly and asked the crowd if she should keep climbing up the octaves. After an eager yes, the band finished the song in dramatic fashion.
Tote finished its set with two powerhouse performances from its lead vocalist — covers of Whitney Houston’s “I Want To Dance with Somebody” and Sia’s “Chandelier.”
The group ended with a simple message, sending love and appreciation to all involved in THON: “Thank you for guys for doing what you do.”
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
Kaleb Joseph Uplifts Penn State Student-Athletes Through ‘Self Help Tour’ Conversation
The former basketball star spoke about mental health struggles in college athletics.
Penn State Professor Accused Of Stalking & Harrassment
Matthew Parkinson, who teaches in the College of Engineering, faces one count of stalking and three counts of harassment.
[Photo Story] Penn State Celebrates 100 Days ‘Til THON
Students celebrated with games, activities, discos, and more at this years 100 Days ‘Til THON event.
Looking Up From My Shoes: Gabriela Stevenson’s Senior Column
“Looking up can be hard to do (especially when your shoes are really cute). When you do, it may not look like what you thought it would. I know now that can be a really great thing.”