Matt and Kim weren’t afraid of the snow and neither were concert attendees as the duo pumped up the crowd with praise for coming out to the show Monday night.
With the cancellation of exams and classes as well as the shutdown of the MU campus on Feb. 26 due to inclement weather reports some were concerned the highly anticipated Passion Pit, Matt and Kim and Icona Pop concert would be canceled.
“Passion Pit and Matt & Kim are still on for tonight at Jesse,” tweeted Missouri Students Associations President Nick Droege. “Get ready for a sold out incredible show!”
Indie pop band Passion Pit headlined the show in Jesse Auditorium. Swedish pop duo Icona Pop and indie rock duo Matt & Kim were the evening’s openers.
Icona Pop consists of Aino Jawo and Caroline Hjet, both from Stockholm. The two formed the band in 2009, and played several songs Monday night, including their hit single “I Love It.”
Matt and Kim performed after Icona Pop, playing crowd-pleasers such as “Good Ol’ Fashioned Nightmare” and “Daylight.” The duo continued to bring a large amount of energy to Jesse Auditorium throughout the night. Kim had the pit hold her feet as she danced over the crowd and the pair also danced the “Harlem Shake” with the audience.
Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino formed the band Matt and Kim in 2005 and celebrated the release of their first album, Matt and Kim, in 2006. The two have gained critical acclaim and their songs have appeared in everything from a Bacardi commercial to an episode of NBC’s Community.
Following Matt and Kim, headliner Passion Pit appeared on stage. Passion Pit was formed in 2007. Band members include Michael Angelakos on lead vocals and keyboard, Ian Hultquist on keyboard and guitar, Xander Singh on synthesizer, Jeff Apruzzese on bass and synth bass and Nate Donmoyer on drums.
“Passion Pit was touring and The Blue Note asked if we’d like to pair up and bring them to Mizzou,” said Kellie Donahoe, an MU student involved with planning the event. “On Nov. 9 it was made official that they would be coming to Mizzou.”
According to the band’s website, its tour began in Nov. in Pittsburgh, Penn. and will end in Santiago, Chile in April.
“I’ve been waiting so long to see Passion Pit and I was thrilled to finally get the chance to see them,” said MU freshman Kelsie Herron.
The band began its set with an “I’ll Be Alright,” a track off their album _Gossamer_. The set list included a mix of tracks from both _Gossamer_ and their first album released, _Manners_.
“I thought Passion Pit was fantastic,” freshman Sydney O’Hara said. “Everyone around me was sending such a good vibe and the energy throughout the whole concert was really great.”
Passion Pit finished its set with “Sleepyhead” before returning to the stage to perform “Little Secrets” as its encore.
“It was beyond my expectations,” said MU freshman Ethan Buck. “Passion Pit gives an overwhelming live performance. I hope Mizzou continues to bring great bands to campus.”
