Rock and Roll With a Hint of Community Service

Six Canisius students joined the production team at First Niagara Arena on Sunday, February 24th, to help prepare for the Bon Jovi concert later that night.

This is the soundboard that the technicians that tour and work with Bon Jovi use to control all of the microphones so fans can hear the clearest and best sound that the band produces.

The band brings about twenty-five to thirty guitars on each tour and plays on average ten per show.

Bon Jovi carries their specific set, including stage and backstage, to every show on tour.

On a backstage tour earlier in the day the students enjoyed their moment of rock-and-roll stardom on stage before sound check.

Jamie Hitro, Michael Jaoude, Brock Wilkinson, Tanner Gelatt, Melissa Gretzler and Mariel Klein were chosen to participate in this opportunity based on their extensive community service.

Mariel Klein interviewed with YNN associate producer, Patrick Delaney, on her unique experience throughout the day.

Hours of work are required by the First Niagara production crew to put on a concert event.

During the booming sound check, the technicians have to perfect the lighting behind the stage so that the audience isn't only moved by the vocals and sound of Bon Jovi but also the visuals that compliment the rock and roll music.

Jon Bon Jovi's favorite guitar is marked by the initials of his beloved guitar teacher and the year that he passed away. 

Bon Jovi's "Because We Can" Community Service College Campaign not only sets up and encourages opportunities for college students to get involved but also rewards those who do it all on their own and are leaders in their student body.

A sea of middle-aged women flooded behind the pit to awaited impatiently for their dreamy celebrity crush to appear on the stage at exactly 8:10pm. 

The infamous, classic, white microphone that amplifies the vocal talent's of Jon Bon Jovi has been used at every concert that they have held since the group first performed in 1983.

Bon Jovi opened the sensational performance with Livin' On A Prayer, the band's most popular song.

Richie Sambora became the band's lead guitarist after Dave Sabo was fired a few weeks after the band formed in 1983.

Drummer, David Bryan has released two solo instrumental albums and co-written soundtracks for a various musicals on top of full time playing with Bon Jovi.

Hugh McDonald, bass guitarist, joined the group in 1984 when John Such was fired for constant poor performances that dragged the band down.

Jon Bon Jovi's real name is John Francis Bongiovi.

The almost sold out show was a hit with Buffalo fans and an appreciated and incredible opportunity for the six dedicated Canisius students.

Too Mushy, Too Emotional

All my life I've heard it from my family, friends and boyfriends that I'm too emotional and over-dramatic. Well...that's just me. And frankly, I'm okay with it. The people in my life know who I am and how I work and they accept me. Sure my sisters will laugh at me every now and then when I start crying at dinner but they know that I'm not going to change.

In my eyes being emotional shouldn't be an attribute to be ashamed of just because people don't know how to handle it. I'm "squishy" for a reason. Most of you that know me can figure out pretty easily why I'm like this. Plus, despite the things I've dealt with, I was just born this way. In a world where everybody is criticized for being "too" anything people start to get self conscious that they're built wrong. I know me and I know my emotions. I'm not wrong and I'm not broken; I'm just a sap. Those who deserve to be in my life won't try to change me or make me feel bad for always over-thinking, crying and being mushy.

For a long time I was worried  and afraid  to say that being overemotional is my worst flaw. Now I realize that it's just me. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed of myself and if you're not okay with it then you don't have to be in my life.