Blue October
By Megan Randall
Blue lights cast a glow over the crowd gathered early dusk at the CVG Stage on Day 2 at the Bunbury Music Festival. The blue lights grew more intense as the tones of the pre-set music started to fade while Justin Furstenfeld (lead vocals, guitar), Jeremy Furstenfeld (drums), Ryan Delahoussaye (violin, piano, vocals), Matt Noveskey (bass) and Will Knaak (lead guitar) joined the stage quietly launching into their Bunbury set with “Sway,” a softly sweet song from the same-titled album.
Blue October is one of those unique bands that can take you through every emotion during their setlist. After opening with a gentler track, they journey to strong defiance with “Say It” and then bring you full circle with “Hate Me.” Every song they present is sing-able and the crowd seemed thrilled to participate, bouncing and screaming out lyrics or simply in excitement as the notes to their favorite Blue October track started playing.
Delahoussaye’s violin was a unique element on the stage not normally seen during Bunbury sets. It was so interesting to see such an imposing, biker-esque type man moving and swaying over the stage with his strings.
The band has a heavy touring schedule in the states through November promoting their 2018 release “I Hope You’re Happy.”
Photographs by Shawn Wiseman
