PIAO’s Captivating Performance at Marianas Trench Concert in Omaha: A Review
By Z
On a Sunday night, I drove to Omaha for a Marianas Trench concert, a band that defined my childhood. I didn’t research the opening acts, expecting to enjoy their performance but forget them soon after. However, PIAO’s set proved unforgettable, delivering a vibrant hyperpop performance with melodic vocals that left a lasting impact.
PIAO opened the show with an infectious energy, her Neopet-inspired knit hat adding a charming, quirky touch. Her vibrant dance moves and joyful singing captivated the audience, showcasing remarkable stage presence and crowd control. While I anticipated fun, danceable tracks, PIAO’s performance of “Pagingbubu” and “Haunted by Potential” elevated the experience to something deeply personal.
Before performing “Pagingbubu,” PIAO shared a heartfelt story about being raised by a single mother and coping with her father’s passing. She explained that Bubu, her family’s hamster, had also died, and the song was a message to Bubu, hoping it would reach her father. Having lost my father just over a year ago, I connected deeply with the song’s exploration of grief and regret. PIAO’s evocative lyrics and stunning voice captured the raw emotions of loss, bringing me to tears.
“Haunted by Potential” resonated just as powerfully. PIAO described her struggles as a high-achieving student who graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic, feeling lost and uncertain about the future. As someone graduating next spring and wrestling with similar fears, I felt seen. Her emotive piano accompaniment and melodic delivery turned personal anxieties into a shared experience, leaving me emotional yet uplifted.
After her set, I knew I had to meet her. PIAO’s music had touched my heart unexpectedly, and I wanted to express my admiration. At the merchandise table, a long line of fans waited to support her, snapping up her posters until they sold out. Watching her interact with fans, I was struck by her genuine, down-to-earth demeanor. While in line, I met a graduate student who, though there for Cassadee Pope, was equally moved by PIAO’s performance. This shared connection led to a new friendship, adding another layer to the night’s magic.
When I met PIAO, I fumbled through my words, trying to convey how her lyrics had impacted me. Her kindness and talent left me in awe, and I felt humbled by her presence. While I stayed for the entire concert and enjoyed every moment, PIAO’s set remained the highlight. Her ability to blend hyperpop energy with profound emotional depth makes her a must-see live act.
For anyone seeking a transformative concert experience, I highly recommend catching PIAO live and supporting her music. Her performance at the Marianas Trench concert in Omaha was a testament to her rising star power and emotional resonance.
