The music of southern country rock band Parmalee resonated throughout the campus at The University of Akron on Wednesday afternoon for the first Rock the Roo Lunchtime Concert at the EJ Plaza.

UA students were able to take a lunch break in between classes and listen to a new up-and-coming band.

Each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. UA students with a valid Zip Card
are invited to enjoy a free concert and lunch outside at the EJ Plaza.

Parmalee hails from Greenville, N.C. and has risen to the top 40 of the country charts for their single “Carolina.” They have toured nationally and recently performed at the “O Music Awards.”

The band consists of four musicians: Matt Thomas (lead vocals, guitar) and Scott Thomas (drums) along with their cousin Barry Knox (bass) and Josh McSwain (guitar).

EJ Thomas executive director Dan Dahl said that he likes to book up-and-coming bands for UA students to have the opportunity to hear.

“They were great,” Dahl said. “We had a number of people over the years that you find right as they are getting to the college circuit and that is usually the point whether they make it or when they fizzle out. These guys have already made the top 40.”