Sound Garden Review

Posted by Chelsea Sweithelm on 11/08 at 02:27 AM

Held at the newly renovated Arboretum, the first ever Sound Garden showcased the verdant landscape of Central PA, while presenting a medley of music from local State College acts. The performances included banjo playing by Mark Blashford, a violin and piano duet by Matt Weaver and Adam Jacobs, and a rock cover band called Under the Radar.

One of the most crowd-pleasing performances of the day was the acoustic collaboration of Marshall Biever and Ellen Schulz. These State College Area High School students’ performance showcased originality and soul. They played cover songs such as “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You” by the Black Kids, as well as some of their own written songs. Ellen Schulz’s voice is sultry and warm, and with Marshall Biever by her side, the two enchanted the audience on the sun-soaked fields of the Arboretum.

Marshall Biever’s “All That I Am” was the most attention-grabbing song of their performance. The song ranged from intense power solos to leisurely strumming. Biever explained that he started writing “All That I Am” when he was fourteen, a time when he was experiencing changes in his life. Whether he is playing solo with his acoustic guitar, or jamming with his two friends in his band The Element, there is no doubt that this young musician will succeed in his musical career.

Although the Sound Garden didn’t have as big of a turnout as many had hoped, the event was still a lot of fun. This concert gave local music acts of all ages and genres a chance to perform—an opportunity rarely available to fledgling musicians.

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