New York-based singer and songwriter Travis Rocco recently made an appearance on Gannon University’s campus, adding to his list of over 175 university performances in the past six years.
On Saturday evening, Rocco gave an acoustic performance at the Knight Club.
The event was sponsored by Gannon’s Activities Programming Board (APB).
Rocco began performing as a member of a band nearly six years ago, but has since begun doing more solo performances.
During his performance on Saturday, Rocco mainly performed cover songs from a variety of genres.
Rocco said that performing covers, combined with one or two of his original numbers, is a model he likes to follow when singing for college students.
By putting a unique twist on songs students are familiar with, Rocco believes this is the best way to keep the crowd involved.
Song covers that Rocco performed at the Knight Club event included “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker, “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran, “Budapest” by George Ezra, “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson.
Rocco also performed one of his original numbers titled “Bullseye,” which he said was written about finding the right person at the wrong time.
In total, Travis sang over 17 different songs at the event.
His hour-long performance ended with a cover of “Stay Tonight” by Eagle Eye Cherry.
Sophomore accounting major and APB Vice President Dante Stefanelli said, “I think my favorite song Travis performed was the cover of ‘Hallelujah.’ The use of effects was really well-done.”
In order to create special sound effects to accompany his acoustic setting, Rocco uses specific equipment that includes a stomp box. The stomp box allows him to mimick the sound of drums when stomping his feet.
He also utilizes a Bose PA system that is set up behind him to allow him to hear the music from the same perspective that his audience will hear it.
Following his performance at Gannon, Rocco will be traveling to Scranton for another show. He will finish the week with performances in Reading as well as at Pace University in New York City.
Rocco will perform a total of six shows this week, many of them at college campuses.
Rocco stated that his favorite part of performing at college venues is meeting all the different students.
“I have performed in around 40 states,” he said. “I just really love traveling and meeting new people.”
Rocco’s newest album has just been released on iTunes and is titled “Smoke & Tangerines.”
Songs on the album include “Will You Be Mine,” “Closer,” “Never Been So Clear,” “Deeper” and “Smoke and Tangerines,” for which the album is named after.
The album was recorded over the course of two years by producer Steve Marinaccio, and was mixed by Grammy Award winner Jeff Juliano, who has also worked with artists such as John Mayer and Jason Mraz.
Rocco is said to have a raspy, stringy voice that matches his smooth guitar playing.
For more information on Rocco, including tour dates, visit www.travisrocco.com, or find him on Twitter and Facebook.
For information about APB, check EngageU to learn more about upcoming events.
KATE ROBB
