NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Nine Days, writers of the hit song "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)," will be performing at Drury High School on Thursday night.

 

The Drury Performing Arts Management class will bring Nine Days to the stage in a completely student-driven production that Nine Days lead singer John Hampson said is an exciting change of pace for the group.

 

"We will play some small clubs, small theaters, amphitheaters, casinos, you name it," Hampson said in an email exchange. "We basically pick and choose the gigs that we all want to do. This show is fairly close to home and seems like a very cool change of pace. We are looking forward to it."

 

The alternative Long Island, N.Y.-based band found mainstream success with their 2000 album "The Madding Crowd," which contained the song "Absolutely" that hit No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 charts.

 

Hampson, a high school English teacher, said he looks forward to working with the students.

 

"I've been a high school English teacher for the past two years, and I teach a literary lyrics class, creative writing, and I also do songwriting workshops," he said. "So I love working with young aspiring artists."

 

The show, like others at DPAM, is produced by students. Student TJ Koloc said Nine Days was close by so they decided to reach out.

 

"We looked online to see who was offering shows and who was close," Koloc said. "Their name popped up and we put it together ... and we want to show people what we can do." 

 

DPAM student Jayden Tower said the group has reformed after a decadelong break and the show in the Drury Performing Arts Center will be one of their first reunited.

 

"I think it is going to be interesting because the band hasn't played together in a while and I know they want to get the band back together," Tower said. "It will be cool if our show brings them back together."

 

Tower said the class breaks into four different sections: the tech team, marketing team, artist relations, and box office.

 

Koloc said a majority of the students are familiar with the group and the tech team took it upon themselves to take a deep dive into Nine Days' music.

 

"We try to know the band as best as we can, especially for the sound and the lighting, because they have to match everything," he said. "They want to do a big light show. They want it to have the same effect and feel like a stadium show."

 

Hampson said he remembers being in high school dreaming about being a rock star and hopes to be able to inspire students with a similar passion for music.

 

"I remember watching bands and just being in love with the idea of creating music with other musicians. It seemed almost impossible, and yet there was nothing that was going to stop me from trying," he said. "I would just hope that it inspires them to keep pursuing their dream. I know that sounds kind of cheesy, but I know how important it was to me to watch other bands and artists and be inspired by them."

 

Berkshire singer-songwriter Jack Waldheim will open for Nine Days.

 

The show is Thursday, May 23, at the high school. The show starts at 7 and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.