Pumping it up with Pentatonix in Tampa

Pentatonix brought their tour to Tampa’s Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre to a packed crowd on Thursdy night. Pentatonix was formed in 2011 and took NBC’s The Sing-Off by storm and won the $200k first prize with little real challenge. Their choreography, singing, and musical skill overall pulled audiences in immediately.

Seeing their online social presence exploding, they took that energy and used it to focus on getting views through YouTube. This gave them a rabid and diverse fanbase, all of whom were well represented at the show.

Opening for them was Lauren Alaina. After taking second on American Idol at 16, Lauren Alaina has been out there working on making it happen from coast to coast. By finishing so highly she was deeply encouraged and kept pushing to make a career in music. Excited for the opportunity to open for the Pentatonix, she credited her band for much of her success.

Playing an upbeat bit of country music, she covered a wide variety of stereotypical country assumptions. For her though, she’s not trying to be funny. It’s her deal and she’s telling it. One spot, in particular, was when she started talking about her dear momma staying in a relationship for too long. Her sacrifice for the kids was to ensure that punishment.

Not to be dragged into a downer she tried getting the ladies at the show to enter some banter with her. After a “mic check” due to a dull response, the crowd got with the program. As the evening progressed, she discussed body positivity by introducing one of her songs about her curves.

A very self-aware message, she embraces and accentuates her hips magnificently. Earlier she promised the audience some of the best guitars we would hear, and she was right. Her guitarist did an amazing job, and it was good to see him get a moment before the set ended as did the other musicians.

The Pentatonix took the stage next. With a full video package of past shows, home movies of the history of their group, it was a brilliant way to get those who may be new to Pentatonix a taste of what was to come.

Illuminated by a brilliant light setup, the five piece went through a set of various covers and some original pieces. The opening choice of a cover of Imagine Dragon’s “Radioactive” was a full theatrical production.

And that’s exactly what this group is. No doubt, they are INCREDIBLY talented musicians, and it’s like a Las Vegas show that comes to your town. They just left the $8.99 lobster buffets and loaded dice in Mississippi. The level of simplicity in design (not by skill level) choreography, placement, and lighting is next level. Adapting it to different stages almost nightly is incredible.

When they got to the fabled cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” out came Lauren Alaina. While they initially did their version with Dolly herself, Lauren made a fantastic stand-in, and she did the legend proud.

Making a TikTok video with the audience, they announced that their song “I Rise” would be coming out, and the TikTok from that song would release it on the world.

Ending with a total of 20 tracks, and an additional two-song encore, Pentatonix brought something for everyone. They know their bread and butter as well as their best music. They not only hit the nail squarely on the head, but they also drive it home better than most others.

The musicianship on the cello, drums, and beatboxing is nothing less than jaw-dropping. With this tour just getting going, you likely still have dates near you between now and September.

For more information and tour dates: go to https://www.home.ptxofficial.com/