The Black Keys expected to sell out the Pan American Center

   Alternative band, The Black Keys, will perform on Oct. 10 at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces.

The Ohio band, debuted with their album “The Big Come Up” in 2002. Since, they have grown popular with multiple sold out concerts and awards, including three Grammy Awards and special performances on shows such as Saturday Night Live. The group consists of Dan Auerbach (vocals and guitar) and Patrick Carney on drums.

“I can tell you from having seen them before that their performances are really amazing,” said Barbara Welch, employee at Pan American Center booking and marketing. “So I hope that this is one of those shows that audience members look back on years later and think, ‘wow that was one of the best concerts I ever attended.’”

The Pan American Center is expecting close to 7,000 attendees at least, Welch said. The maximum capacity at the center is 8,000. Welch said the concert might sell out or be close to being one.

According to Welch, the concert has a broad appeal, and anyone from students to grandparents can enjoy the music of The Black Keys.

Mariana Candelario, senior accounting major, who recently began listening to The Black Keys on Pandora, will be attending the concert.

“I honestly never imagined seeing them live because I never thought they would come all the way to these parts of the country,” Candelario said. “But when I heard that they were going to be making an appearance I got really excited because even though I didn’t know a lot about them, I liked them and their music enough to go to one of their concerts.”

Isabel Aleman, senior anthropology major, will also be driving to Las Cruces to attend the concert. Aleman said she began listening to them two years ago when they released their album entitled “Brothers.” “I like their sound, it’s a refreshing type of vintage music with a classic rock and roll style,” Aleman said. “(The album) had a different sound.”

With much anticipation, Aleman said she couldn’t wait to see them live and enjoy the overall experience of listening to them play with an audience.

“I am looking forward to live music, and they have a sound that I’m sure will electrify the venue and bring grooves to my soul,” Aleman said. “Oh, and I really want to hear them play ‘The Flame.’”

Fans like Alejandra Prieto, senior political major, are also excited to hear some of the band’s famous songs. According to her, some of her favorite songs are “Lonely Boy,” “I’m not the One” and “Tighten Up.”

“I’ve been listening to them for like three years and thanks to a friend of mine I found out about them,” Prieto said. “Ever since I heard their song “Tighten Up” I loved them.”

Prieto, who is willing to make an extra drive to Las Cruces, said this would be the first concert she travels to.

“It’s actually a birthday present that my best friend gave me,” Prieto said. “This is the first time that I go see them live and I’m very thrilled, they have become my favorite band so I hope it’s a great success.”

The Black Keys will have special guest Tegan and Sarah perform with them.

The Pan American Center is located  at the New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.

For ticket information call 800-745-3000.

Oscar Garza may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.