When is going back to school lit? When MicahBlu shows up.

This Fall MicahBlu was honored to join the High School Nation Back to School Tour — “Keeping music and art alive, one school at a time!”

Sponsored by Hollister, MicahBlu and a few other select artists hit the road to do pop-up festivals for the students. Like Coachella for high school, with the big stage, live DJ, vendor tents, merch giveaways, and of course chest-thumping music — right in the middle of the school day.

It sounded like a lot of fun when Blu was approached with the opportunity, but little did she know it would become a defining moment in her early career, with amazing people and memories.

MicahBlu is catching her breath from a whirlwind experience with the Hollister High School Nation Back to School Tour.

Remembering all the fun of high school as she looked across the audience at girls and guys just like her, but realizing how far she’d come since then. The same, but different.

And the short break has brought back some sweet memories of aspiring kids, high-energy venues, and some truly amazing performances by the artists selected for this tribute to high school.

[Micah’s show and performance really evolved throughout the tour]

After months of prep, she hit the first venue in Chicago not knowing what the reception would be like, but she was an instant hit and by the second week of the tour there was no question that things were all coming together — and she’s never been more excited about the future!

The Venus

Picture this, you’re a junior in high school, two or three weeks into the semester — just long enough for the grind to settle in — and as you pull up you see a music stage under construction and festival tents going up all over the field.

It’s got to be a good day for a student, but it was just as much a thrill for Blu rolling up on the scene, getting ready for soundcheck.

By the time the day was in full motion, hundreds of kids packed the audience, screaming “MicahBlu … MicahBlu!” It was an “I’m really on tour” moment for Blu, whose career runway so far had included some amazing performance opportunities.

The Show and The Reception

“Every show has been better than the next! It’s got me on such a high!”

After five shows in five days in Chicagoland, plus a live TV performance, Blu and the crew hit the road again for two weeks in New York City. It was a return to the location of the memorable night she opened for Eric Bellinger at the SOBs.

The kinks were worked out, Blu’s set was dialed in to the high school audience, and everything came together … it was almost surreal watching the kids and their reactions. The kids were pumped, waiting to see MicahBlu perform live, and she didn’t disappoint.

Mysterious opening … take-no-prisoners entrance … high octane, high energy … pounding bass … music, dancing … closing it out with vocal riffs that slay … she gave students a performance to remember. Every single time.

And then she took time to meet the kids, sign autographs, pose for selfies, and encourage them to follow their dreams. Kids followed her around the venue, principals, superintendents and even safety officers stopping her for a quick photo. It was Blu’s dream, getting to drop into people’s lives and hear a bit of their stories, leave them with a little love and a great memory.

What did the fans have to say after her performance? (really they screamed it) “Periodt!” “She shut that down.”

Take the Stage

Originally slated as the closing artist, when crowds were sparse and students were going home, Blu quickly moved to the opening spot, when the whole student body was released. She was an immediate favorite.

Never failed – a highlight of the show was when MicahBlu called a few kids up on the stage to join her for a song. There was an instant connection between her and her new fans, and no shortage of kids wanting to be up there with Blu – one school even bum-rushing the stage for a sec in the spotlight.

MicahBlu loved every minute of it.

“It was, you know, exhilarating, thinking of all the hard work that had gone into the tour, and standing up in front of the crowd, proud to show it off, and seeing the fans go crazy.”

City after city the reception was amazing, girls screaming, guys standing in line for a photo — some trying to get up the courage to approach her she would meet half way with a hug.

Kids with dreams just like her, while she was watching her own dreams come true. Keeping the arts alive in high school, keeping it real for herself. Knowing that with hard work and the support of good people she is on her way to the top.

Downtime

Each city had its schools, each school its show, each show its memories. It was practically non-stop. So when the stage came down and they loaded up the bus for the next city, it was me-time for MicahBlu. How’d she spend it? Sleeping … you know it. But also rocking the bus down the highway, dancing to her favorite songs on the big screen TV.

Walking the streets of Brooklyn with her team. Finding cute clothes in sidewalk shops. Visiting the Dolby Experience in SoHo. Making the most of every moment, as usual.

The Press

If you’ve got insane talent and you want the world to know there are some really special people out there who can help make it happen. We found them in Chicago, where Blu did a live TV performance, at People CHICA in New York, for a photo shoot and interview for their online magazine, in Atlanta at the famed V-103 radio station, and in an appearance on The Q100 Adam Bomb Show.

It was a true pleasure for MicahBlu to connect with these legends of pop culture and catch them up on all she’s got going on. Beautiful people, working hard to bring us the best news in entertainment.

The Acts, The Tour

High School Nation put together an amazing show, school after school, with some terrific talent. But there were a few that carried the show along with MicahBlu. So here’s a shout out to Carys and Jessame, a couple of artists who wowed the students and went the distance.

We’ve got way more to say but we’ll leave you with a quick list of the cities we hit along the way.

Chicago • New York • Newark, New Jersey • Trenton, New Jersey  • Atlantic City, New Jersey  • Baltimore, Maryland • Washington, DC • Atlanta, Georgia • Jacksonville, Florida • Orlando, Florida • Tampa, Florida • Miami, Florida

We Love You
High School Nation!