The third annual Heartwood Ball was once again hosted this year by aggressive-alternative rock band SycAmour. The show was scheduled to be held in the Crofoot ballroom, however was downsized to the venues smaller stage, The Pike Room. This benefited the show, creating a packed atmosphere and a rowdy crowd. Some were dressed up for the ball, but the majority of the attendees wore casual attire. Detroit metalcore band Behind the Silence started the night off, dressed in masquerade attire. with a great set. The band covered “Yeah!” by Usher, giving the crowd a metal twist on a well-known song, which drew more people in. The band also announced that this would be their last show for a while, for they are recording a new EP.
Helpless Hearts (Alternative/Rock) brought a huge amount of energy to the stage, the band was constantly moving and jumping. That energy was brought to the crowd too, everybody singing along to their favorites off of the bands most recent EP “The Hunt for Nova.” Bassist Eric Axelsen managed to break a bass string while jamming out on stage, adding to the rowdy, hyped atmosphere the band brought to the venue.
Throughout the night, some of the sets had been cut short, but that didn’t stop theatrical rock band, The Illustrator, from giving one of the most intense sets of the night. The band received countless amounts of fan interaction, bringing everyone together. In contrast, melodic hardcore band Desires brought a very different feel to the room. Steve Goldberg projected his poetic, captivating lyrics, moving back and forth between standing on stage and standing within the audience itself. The band tossed out roses that contained prizes for those who caught one. It was also Desire members Alex and Connor’s last show, for which they received a well-deserved farewell.
SycAmour headlined the evening, drawing the largest crowd, packing the Pike Room full. The band requested obnoxious amounts of smoke, which was humorously provided by those in the venue with vapes. Along with the request of only red lights, the intense atmosphere brought forward by far the most energy of the night. Fans sang along with vocalists Jeremy and Tony Sugent. The band also successfully premiered their new song “Coffee” for the first time live.
*all photos taken were by Kailey Howell/The Pit Media*
