Jonas Brothers - “Happiness Begins” Concert Review
The Jonas Brothers made a stop in Happy Valley for their “Happiness Begins” Tour, and it did not disappoint. This is their first official tour as a band since their split in October 2013. Fans were unsure whether or not the chemistry of the Jonas Brothers would still exist, but they proved that nothing has changed.
The Jonas Brothers have made it clear that Penn State holds a special place in their hearts, and their fans from State College feel the same way about them. The energy was contagious in the Bryce Jordan Center, which was filled to the brim with fans young and old and every age in between. It showed how loyal Jonas Brothers fans are.
Before the Jonas Brothers took the stage, pop singer Jordan McGraw performed while wearing a customized Penn State jersey. Even though he might have been a new face to some people, he brought enthusiasm to the stage. It was a good way to start off the night, as he definitely kept the crowd on its feet for the next performers to come.
The next act came as a surprise to many people: the talented Bebe Rexha. The dance-pop singer, known for her unique voice and songwriting skills, came along for the tour in order to share her talent. She sang her hits, including “I’m a Mess,” “Me, Myself & I” and “In the Name of Love” to name a few. She even sang “The Monster” by Eminem and Rihanna, but little did people know that she is the one that who actually wrote the song, claiming it “changed her life.” She composed a great set, boosting the energy by getting everyone hyped for what was to come.
The Jonas Brothers kicked off the show with “Rollercoaster,” a song from their new album Happiness Begins. Their new music seems to be well-received by longtime fans, while new fans who didn’t grow up with the Jonas Brothers seem to be enjoying the music as well. The best way to describe their new sound is mature but still possessing a fun vibe. The Jonas Brothers also adopted a new look to go with the new sound, wearing simple yet vibrant clothing.
The Jonas Brothers did a great job of incorporating their old music alongside their new music. Ranging from content off the 2007 “Jonas Brothers” album, to Joe and Nick’s solo music, to their most recent tunes, the fan reaction to all of it was incredible. A highlight of the show was Joe and Nick performing “Cake by the Ocean,” which was the hit single that Joe released with his former band DNCE. The arena was covered with neon lights, neon inflatables and neon confetti. It was a cool moment to see these brothers come together and support each other’s solo careers by singing their songs in unison.
Kevin also brought his musical skills to the stage, switching between guitar and piano during the set. Even though Kevin has never really sung on any Jonas Brothers song, he knows how to keep the crowd engaged. He genuinely always looks like he is there to entertain, and it’s obvious how important the fan experience is to all three of them.
It’s safe to say that the last three songs of the concert were the fan favorites: a trio that included “Year 3000,” “Burnin’ Up” and “Sucker.” The production team made sure to include spectacular pyrotechnics to add aesthetic to a great lineup of songs. From far away, Sophie Turner, famous actress and wife of Joe Jonas, could be spotted jamming out on the sidelines to these classics. “Year 3000” and “Burnin’ Up” are such important songs to the band because of how well they did years ago, but “Sucker” is equally important, as it is one of their new songs that put them back on the map. They ended the concert the way it started: magically.
The Jonas Brothers will be heading to the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio to play their next show on September 5. Their tour will end in February of 2020, in Paris.
Emily Mugno is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email esm6@psu.edu.
