WXJM brings alternative rock bands to JMU campus
Up Up Down Down makes first appearance in ’Burg since last spring as band headlines concert in Transitions
By Katie Austen, contributing writer
Posted on November 13, 2006

WXJM presented nationally touring band Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right BA Start Saturday night. The unique name is a video game shortcut. Shortened appropriately to Up Up Down Down, the band was last seen at JMU at MACRoCk and was featured in the School of Media Arts and Design’s “MACRoCkumentary.” Also on the show’s bill were Albuquerque and JMU’s own Base Rate Effect and Left Of Nowhere.

“Playing on campus gives people who wouldn’t normally hear our music an opportunity to hear it,” said the Left of Nowhere bassist, senior Jack Harris. “It’s cool being able to say we shared a stage with Up Up Down Down.”

Held in Transitions, the show provided a laid-back and open atmosphere to hear good music.

“Transitions definitely wasn’t our first choice for venue,” said Harris. “But people seem to know where it is, so it worked out OK.”

Base Rate Effect kicked off the show with a comedic hardcore performance. Albuquerque, hailing from  Harrisonburg, followed and — in an act of rebelliousness — played on the floor. The alternative-indie rock group, with its unique sound and reverb vocals, got the audience ready for Up Up Down Down and Left of Nowhere.

Much to the crowd’s surprise, Up Up Down Down went third. From Haddon Heights, N.J., the six-piece band connected with the audiences by talking between its rock songs. However, the overall performance from the band was sedating. To end the night, the surprise headliner Left of Nowhere took the energy level back up. The band played a hard but short set leaving the crowd thirsty for more of their unique sound.

“It was great being able to work with Up Up Down Down again,” said Harris. “I interviewed them for the “MACRoCkumentary” DVD. They’re really laid-back, down-to-earth guys.”

Coming up next on WXJM’s schedule is a show at TDU Dec. 7 with more details coming later.

“It’s great to have shows on campus,” said WXJM DJ and JMU senior Jean Han. “It’s a way to reach to those who normally don’t listen to WXJM.”