Stuck in Place, Luna and the Carpets, Spencer Arjang, and Rhodes Corduroy produced a faultless musical moment at the house venue.

Words by Grace Johnson / Photos by Clara Neville

On March 2nd, Mudpit, a beloved cornerstone of Syracuse's live music scene, warmly opened its doors to music enthusiasts. The atmosphere pulsated with a salient sense of support, drawing in a devoted crowd eager to celebrate the performances of student musicians Rhodes Corduroy, Spencer Arjang, Luna and the Carpets, and Stuck in Place. The doorman aptly encapsulated the ambiance, turning to me and gesturing to the vibrant crowd, affirming, "See, it's all love here, man." 

Opening, Stuck in Place unfurled a remarkable performance. Maddox Thornton's adept vocal modulation added intricate layers of texture to the performance, complemented by Eli Shephard on guitar, who displayed a tasteful incorporation of dynamics, contributing to a captivating ebb and flow. Special acknowledgment is owed to Trey Bliss, who, stepping in at the eleventh hour, learned the songs on the drive up, jamming in the back of their car with his bass. Their combined energy elevated them to a league of their own, establishing them as impeccable initiators of the night. Interacting effortlessly with the audience, they leaped around the stage, peppering the atmosphere with whimsical anecdotes like, "Keep each other safe out there, stay hydrated." The infectious enthusiasm and musical dexterity of Stuck in Place didn't go unnoticed. A member of the audience even went so far as to exclaim to their companion, "Wow, I'm going to follow this band right now." 

If there were any lingering doubts about their passion for their art and the proficiency with which they executed it, Eli dispelled them with a poignant comment after their performance, stating, "The greatest thing I can do is play on stage." 

Following, Luna and the Carpets delivered a beautiful performance, characterized by harmonic richness that unveiled a high level of musical sophistication. Referring to themselves as a "girl band," the ensemble features the talents of Anjali Engstrom, along with the versatile Grace Ferguson, who shared the spotlight as lead vocalists. Their harmonies were elevated by the rhythmic brilliance of Giulanna Lapalucci on drums, the masterful lead guitar work of Gabi Nalon, and the resonant bass lines skillfully played by Peyton Barlow. Luna and the Carpets not only delivered a captivating performance but also forged a dynamic connection with the audience. The crowd fervently participated in a symphony of voices, resonating not only with Luna and the Carpets' original compositions like "Saint" and "Stay Away From Me" but also with renditions of renowned tracks like "Not Strong Enough" by Boygenius and "Liar" by Daisy The Great. The performers' passion seamlessly intertwined with the collective spirit of those immersed in their artistry, creating a magnetic and symbiotic celebration. 

Spencer Arjang delivered a stellar performance that exuded musical maturity, evident in the thoughtful arrangement and execution of each song. Joined by the talented Rocco Valentino, Nate Livingston, and Vijay Tandon, the collective emanated an infectious energy that swept through the audience. Nate's original composition, "Pinata," not only set the dance floor ablaze but also garnered unwavering support and enthusiasm from the crowd. The band's passion saturated the air as they delved into well-known hits like "Freaking Out on the Interstate" by Briston Maroney and "Kilby Girl” by The Backseat Lovers. Throughout the performance, their magnetic vitality manifested in continual smiles exchanged amongst themselves. Spencer Arjang and his bandmates crafted an unforgettable experience, exuding joy in their presence and showcasing elevated levels of talent. 

Concluding the night on a high note, Rhodes Corduroy took the stage, featuring Aidan LaBella on vocals and bass, Zach Franze on guitar and vocals, and Nick Beebower stepping in for the beloved Christ Langese and Cooper Lang, who regrettably couldn't make it to the show. Nick Beebower seamlessly assimilated into the ensemble, establishing a flawless sense of timing and rhythmic precision that laid a solid foundation for the entire performance. Radiating confidence, Rhodes Corduroy commanded the attention of the audience. Their setlist included compelling originals like "Always Have Always Will," "Staring," "Busy Street," and "Hummingbird." The crowd was fully engaged, captivated not only by the band's original compositions but also by their renditions of classics such as "Next to You" by The Police and "Hybrid Moments" by The Misfits. The live performance by Rhodes Corduroy revealed a deep comprehension of the nuances that make live music so captivating.