With a cloud of smoke overhead, Lisa Heller and DJO each made their way to the main stage of the Gordon Field House at RIT.
The concert, announced via the RIT Arenas’ Instagram on Aug. 7, drew a large and diverse audience of both RIT students and outside fans of Joseph Keery, known for his role as Steve Harrington in “Stranger Things” and his growing musical presence as DJO.
The Field House was divided into general admission and premier access sections, allowing some fans a closer view of the stage. Students said the crowd filled in quickly, and the process for buying tickets and entering the venue was particularly smooth.
While the event was hosted on RIT’s campus, tickets were also open to the general public.
“Some people were saying they drove up four hours… sometimes it makes me feel weird when full-grown adults are coming to this on our campus,” said Denna Alece, a first-year graduate student in visual communication design. “I kind of like this as just an RIT thing.”
Others came not just for the music, but for the shared experience. Maya Rao, a double major in illustration and biotechnology, said, “She [their best friend] loves him, and I want to spend time with her.” Rao said they weren’t necessarily a fan of DJO but came for the atmosphere.
Lisa Heller, an indie pop artist, warmed up the crowd with an opening set that included both original songs and recognizable covers. Between sets, students grabbed snacks from concessions and waited in the merchandise line for DJO.
Some students chose to stand outside, listening to the muffled music from beyond the venue doors and peeking through windows to catch a glimpse of the stage.
“I watched Stranger Things and I love Joe Keery,” said Jayden Miller, who didn’t get a ticket. “So I thought if I got the chance to see his face in person, I’d love to do it.”
DJO excited the crowd with a set including a live debut of “Uglyfisherman” and hits like “End of Beginning,” eventually concluding after the attendees on hand got their wish for another song after the show’s initial ending.
As the venue emptied, many students and fans of Keery remained, lingering in the line for merchandise and talking with friends about the show.
