Down with Webster, down with Calgary

Familiar act returns to Coke Stage

Maria Carbajal

On July 9th, Down With Webster performed at the Coke stage at the Calgary Stampede. It was not their first time playing at the Stampede, and it was not my first time seeing them at the grounds. As usual, the crowd was very energetic. People had been gathering before 7 p.m. — while the show did not even start until 9 p.m.

Shortly before the performance began, Ryan and Katie from Amp Radio introduced the band. The band members were highly energetic, and were very audience focused. Since the front of the stage was packed, a few fans chose to gather on the side to get a close-up view. The band didn’t neglect these fans, and came to sing or play guitar for them as well.

At the start of the concert, they threw red solo cups out into the crowd. The band performed many of their large hits, such as “Your man”, “Stop staring at the sun”, “She’s Dope”, “Rich Girls”, “Whoa is me” and their new song “One in a million”. A few songs that were not written by the band were played for the audience, including the Harlem Shake, which was played during a brief intermission.

The band also announced that it was Diggy, their DJ’s birthday. In 2011, while performing at the Stampede, it was one of the group’s vocalists — Bucky — birthday. Whether someone is a fan or not, it can be said that this band is good at getting their audience engaged and excited.

The one disappointment came after the show. A merchandise tent was set up at the side of the Coke stage. After the performance, the band members were supposed to come sign autographs for their fans. The show ended shortly after 10 p.m. Many people left a few minutes early to get a head start. I left ten minutes early, and there was already quite a lineup. Security and event staff moved the line so that a clear path to the C-train could be made for those leaving the park. In the midst of this, the line got larger and larger. Security made announcements that the band was only staying until 11:15. However, the band members did not arrive to the merchandise booth until 10:45, giving half an hour, and meaning that many people would not get the opportunity to get an autograph. Many of the fans left even before 10:45, because they were aware that they would probably not get in.

Despite this, the performance was interesting and exciting. Down With Webster is very entertaining live, and fans will enjoy seeing them perform.