Train’s Drops of Jupiter Tour: A Night to Remember
On October 2, the Atlantic Bank Union Center (AUBC) was alive with music as the band Train brought their Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere Tour to town, featuring special guest Moon Taxi.
Train: A Legacy of Music
Train, a Grammy-winning pop-rock band from San Francisco formed over 30 years ago by lead vocalist Pat Monahan, has captivated audiences since their debut in 1998. They celebrated a quarter-century of their iconic album with a summer tour across North America, culminating in a performance in Harrisonburg for the JMU community during Family Weekend.
Anticipation in the Air
Doors opened at 6 p.m., with many fans excitedly gathering for the night ahead. Among them were juniors Brody Devereaux and Alex Verenna, attending their first Train concert. Devereaux expressed hope to hear “Mermaid” on the setlist, which varied each night.
Moon Taxi: Energetic Opener
At 7 p.m., Nashville-based indie rock band Moon Taxi took the stage, engaging the audience with tracks from their latest album, Set Yourself Free. Despite some unfamiliarity, their performance left a positive impression. Freshman Saidie Graudiel praised their vibe, noting it was a great way to start the night.
Train Takes the Stage
By 8:15 p.m., Train was in full swing, opening with “Calling All Angels.” The crowd eagerly awaited fan-favorite “Hey Soul Sister,” which Monahan playfully teased before finally performing it, sending the audience into a frenzy.
The band kept the energy high, engaging fans by snapping on-stage selfies and tossing out Virginia-themed shirts during “Meet Virginia.” One standout performance came with “To Gloria,” where Monahan humorously tossed roses into the audience, reminiscing about his teenage relationship.
A Night of Hits and Covers
Train showcased their strong stage presence, seamlessly transitioning into popular covers like Tom Petty’s “American Girl” and The Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” encouraging crowd participation. Jack Reed, a senior finance and economics major, highlighted “Mississippi” as a mesmerizing performance, eliciting applause from the captivated audience.
The night culminated with Train’s multi-platinum hit “Drops of Jupiter,” resonating with fans. Freshman Anna DiClemente reflected on the emotional impact of the song, while Bianca Luces shared it brought back memories of family.
What’s Next
With Train’s memorable concert setting the stage for more music, The Driver Era is scheduled to perform at AUBC on October 23, joined by JMU alumni band Illiterate Light. The lively atmosphere continues to thrive in Harrisonburg.
