When you go see your favorite rock band, you usually expect a riot. Some head banging, guitars breaking, mosh pits-anything is possible. Usually, instruments make the bands unique, distinguished by their beats. The House Jacks, however, are the original “rock band without instruments.”You might wonder how this is even possible, but on Sept. 3, this band gave students an unforgettable show. Sponsored by Campus Activities Board (CAB), The House Jacks performed at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. The five-member band from San Francisco has played over 1,000 shows across the United States, Europe, and Asia. They have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with artists such as LL Cool J, Run-DMC, James Brown, and have even performed for President Bill Clinton. Although one member was absent, Austin, Roo, Jake and Deke, started off with their original songs. Their astonishing voices, smooth melodies, crazy harmonies, and beat boxing kept the crowd entertained for the rest of the night. Each member is a unique and talented individual, and how they can make such music is unbelievable. The House Jacks involved the audience by singing along, clapping, and snapping. The band was really down-to-earth, even making a jingle about how everybody farts.Their genres included hip-hop, a bit of rap, some blues, and of course, rock ‘n roll. Band members imitated instruments such as guitars, trumpets, bass, drums, and even the harmonica. In the middle of the show, Deke announced that apart from not having instruments, they were different from other bands. He stated that while other bands rehearse their performance over and over until it is polished, The House Jacks do that and more. To illustrate, Deke encouraged the crowd to call out names of songs, and the band performed a bit from the song right then and there. While the audience screamed out songs left and right, one guy insisted that they sing “Straight Up” from Paula Abdul. Not stepping back from the demand, Jake got in front of the crowd and impersonated Paula. The next song was Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl.” Since the band didn’t know much of this song, they performed it to the best of their ability. The crowd was not satisfied with their performance, so Deke decided to do it polka style. It was hilarious!Other songs performed by popular demand were “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story, “I will Survive” by Tina Turner, “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns and Roses, and even “La Bamba,” which all the audience members knew. The band transitioned back into their original songs and still blew the crowd away. About an hour later, the show was over, but the crowd had learned how a band without instruments can still bring down the house. Hopefully, the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts won’t need a house jack after their performance. The House Jacks have released seven CDs, and their music is also available on I-tunes. To check out their music, upcoming gigs, or to book them for a show, visit their website at www.housejacks.com or www.myspace.com/thehousejacks, or find them on Facebook.