Ben Rector concert engages student audience

 

Ben Rector “Let the Good Times Roll” on Monday night as an energetic audience sang and danced with him at his concert in Hardeman Auditorium.

A large portion of the audience was Oklahoma Christian University students, however, the sold-out show brought in a crowd from across the Oklahoma City area.

“He was really comfortable on the stage, and it felt like he was there enjoying his time with us as well, rather than just putting on a show,” sophomore Erin Harvill said.

Oklahoma Christian alumni Brett and Laura Vanderzee opened the concert with an acoustic set. Rector strayed from his usual band setup and used only a guitar and a piano for the entire show and was accompanied by his guitarist.

Sophomore Chaveli Salinas said she enjoyed the stripped-down instrumentation of the performance.

“You get more of an acoustic sound,” Salinas said. “I thought it was good; I enjoyed it.”

Rector, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, is as a singer/songwriter known for a relaxed musical style.

“It’s just kind of more laid back, but still positive, upbeat and enjoyable,” Harvill said.

Audience engagement was a large part of Rector’s performance, and he had the audience help write an impromptu third verse to his song “Loving You is Easy”. Rector also brought an audience member on stage after that person shouted a clever remark before Rector sang his song “Sailboat”.

“I thought it was cool how he made it an interactive concert for us rather than us just sitting and watching him,” Harvill said.

Salinas said she enjoyed the casual nature of the show compared to larger concerts, and it helped the audience to experience the person behind the performance.

“I think it helps us get to know him more personally rather than having a huge concert and everything being on schedule, it was more relaxed,” Salinas said.

Harvill appreciates Rector’s skill as a musician and vocalist as well as his fun performance.

“I was really impressed by how well he sounded in person,” Harvill said. “I had never heard him in person before, and it was spectacular.”

According to Dean of Students Neil Arter, the idea to bring Rector on campus originated from President John DeSteiguer.

“The president kind of gets the nudge for that,” Arter said. “His daughter had taken him to a couple of Ben Rector concerts before, and he was like ‘Hey, that’s a great guy. We ought to get him on campus. He’s a lot of fun in concert too.’ And so that kind of got the ball rolling.”

The concert was open to the public, Oklahoma Christian students received a discounted rate and first choice tickets. A drawing took place Monday morning for a few students to win a meet-and-greet with Rector before the concert in the Oklahoma Christian Gallery.

Salinas said the convenient location made the concert more enjoyable for students attending.

“I liked not having to drive all the way to Norman or Tulsa to go see his concert,” Salinas said. “I just had to walk from Tinius.”

Harvill said she would like to have more concerts on campus in the future.

“I think it is really important that there was such a good response,” Arter said. “I think that’s really fun…We would love to be able to have more and more of those kind of events on campus.”

President DeSteiguer interviewed Rector earlier that day, and the interview aired before the concert. In the interview, DeSteiguer asked Rector about his faith and the challenges he faces as a Christian in the entertainment industry. Rector said he chooses to surround himself with people of faith to keep himself on the right track, which DeSteiguer said was a positive message for college students.

Rector does not perform Christian genre music, but is a Christian. Salinas said she appreciates seeing someone of faith putting on an appropriate show that appeals to all.

“I think it’s really good to have somebody who is a musician but they are a follower of Christ, but not all of their songs are about God,” Salinas said.

Arter said bringing in Rector, along with other figures that are followers of Christ, promotes Christians doing things for Christ in the secular world.

“I love the idea that OC could support people who are Christians but who are doing popular things,” Arter said. “I would love for us to be able to support Christians.”