Wednesday night at Avalon, the floor was filled with fans eagerly awaiting the appearance of the Mississippi rock band, 3 Doors Down. Exploding on the scene in 2000 with their number one hit, "Kryptonite," they have since enjoyed immense success with their platinum selling record, "The Better Life," four hit singles and three Grammy nominations. The band, which consists of singer Brad Arnold, guitarists Matt Roberts and Chris Henderson, bassist Todd Harrell and drummer Daniel Adair, is currently touring with Theory of a Deadman to promote their newest album, "Away From the Sun." When asked how they feel their sound has changed from one record to the next, guitarist Chris Henderson said that the song writing has evolved and matured significantly. "On the first record we were just churning out song after song. On the second record, we were trying to write songs that we liked. It was a slower process, but we felt that in the end it was a better product."

Hailing from Escatawpa, Mississippi, the members of the band feel that they tend to be seen as stereotypical southerners, which they are not. "People don't know us that well. In fact, we are somewhat anonymous as a band. People probably couldn't pick us out of a line-up. They tend to have a misconception that, since we come from the South, we have certain ideals and beliefs that we don't actually have." Despite this misconception, their southern roots help keep them down to earth. When asked about what sets 3 Doors Down apart from other rock bands, Henderson notes the band's humbleness in addition to their unique sound.

As soon as the colored lights lit up the stage, the band was greeted enthusiastically by the crowd as they entered the stage and began the set with a single off their first album, "Duck and Run." The audience responded by waving their hands in the air and bobbing energetically to the guitar rhythms. One particularly excited female fan decided to continue the age old rock concert tradition of flashing the band every so often. Next, Arnold introduced the second song, "The Road I'm On," a song he said was about being alone.

The third song was the first single of their new album, "When I'm Gone." The song, which Arnold wrote while touring, is about being away from loved ones and assuring them not to worry and to expect a safe return from the band. After another song off the new album they played the title track, "Away From the Sun," which Arnold said was one of his favorite songs. In addition to the colored flashing lights, patterns of suns reflected on the stage ceiling, giving the performance an added impressive effect.

The next song, 3 Doors Down's claim to fame, "Kryptonite," had the crowd in a frenzy of excitement, singing along and clapping. At one point, Arnold turned the mike on the audience and had them sing the chorus. Following the excitement, the atmosphere in the room immediately became subdued as the band began the song, "Be Like That." Swaying to the music, some fans broke out their lighters for this single that many would recognize from the "American Pie" soundtrack.

After a few more new songs, the band introduced their new drummer from Vancouver, Daniel Adair. Then, the rest of the band briefly left the stage for a quick break while Adair captivated the audience with an impressive drum solo. Following the break the band returned for a few more songs and closed the show with their hit single, "Loser."

With a new music video coming out, two Grammy nominations and a commercial with Budwiser, 3 Doors Down's success continues to grow. Judging by the enormous fan response at the concert, it's safe to say they won't have much leeway in a lineup anymore.