Photo by: Nettwerk Records

Blasting from the Glen Miller Ballroom on the University of Colorado- Boulder campus was the reggae/rock sound of the newly formed band, State Radio.

Those in attendance, who were able to suffer through the opening performance of the Street to Nowhere band, were treated to an astonishingly personal and passionate performance by State Radio front man Chad Stokes.

Stokes is best known for his work in the ever-popular group, Dispatch, for which he wrote numerous hit songs including “The General,” “Flying Horses,” and “Open Up,” to name a few.

Today, Stokes leads State Radio across the country singing to raise awareness for many different social issues, including the genocides in the Sudan.

After a short delay between Street to Nowhere’s lackluster performance during which the crowd began chanting for them to leave the stage, State Radio opened with one of its more upbeat songs titled, “Rushian.”

This song contains the title of the band’s first full album: “Us Against the Crown.”

The restless crowd was instantly caught up in the sounds of Stokes and fellow band members Charlie Fay, who plays bass, and Mike Najarian on drums.

The band continued to play through its list of songs, ranging from hard rock with powerful bar chords and reggae songs that have a softer, more uplifting sound.

One highlight in the middle of the show was when Fay addressed the crowd. The crowd burst into “Happy Birthday” when fans found out it was Stokes’ birthday.

Laughing and grateful, Stokes thanked the crowd and continued right on with playing more of the band’s many songs.

Overall, the music, as well as Stokes’ superb stage presence and overall charisma with addressing the audience, made the concert fly by.

Finishing up the set, the band played one of its more lively and entertaining songs “Man in the Hall.”

The song had many people jumping around and singing along with Stokes.

After the set, State Radio came back on stage for an encore and played the politically charged “Gunship Politico.”

The concert ended as it started, with State Radio thrilling the crowd with its impressive musical skills and passionate performance.

This concert showed that the band has what it takes to entertain any type of audience.

State Radio, whose members are from the Boston area, released its first studio album in 2006.

Since then, the band has released three live EPs, all of which are available on their Web site.

The band will be back in the Denver area this summer as its tour stops in the Rocky Mountain area. All fans of rock should be pleased with the upcoming concert and new album.

Also, for the Dispatch fans, the band will be reuniting for a special three-day set this July at Madison Square Garden.

Proceeds will be donated to help raise awareness about the genocides in the Sudan.