Local Natives @ The Riviera Theatre - Chicago
September 8th, 2023: Local Natives, Chartreuse @ The Riviera Theatre - Chicago, IL
Local Natives - Photos Courtesy of: Emily Nava
On Friday, September 8th, 2023, Local Natives brought their tour to The Riviera Theatre in Chicago, Illinois with UK opening act, Chartreuse. Local Natives is a Southern California-based band made up of Kelcey Ayer, Taylor Rice, Ryan Hahn, Matthew Frazier, and Nik Ewing. This tour follows the recent release of their fifth album, titled Time Will Wait For No One. It just so happens that this year also marks the 10-year anniversary of Local Natives' sophomore album, Hummingbird. To celebrate it, a small section of the setlist on this tour consisted of songs from that album.
In addition to performing songs from TWWFNO and Hummingbird, throughout the night, Local Natives played songs from all of their previous releases. They even played "Empty Mansions", a song from TWWFNO that they had never played live before. Unfortunately, shortly into their set, Local Natives ran into some technical difficulties but made the most of it by performing a beautiful acoustic interpretation of their song "Who Knows Who Cares" with the crowd while the issue was resolved.
One of the standout aspects of the concert was the Local Natives' constant crowd engagement. They didn't just perform; they connected with the audience on a personal level. Whether it was through stories in between songs, honoring a fan's song request, or simply making eye contact with fans in the crowd, Local Natives made everyone in the room feel like they were part of something special. Taylor Rice (vocals, guitar) even walked through the crowd while performing a newer song, "Featherweight" and crowd-surfed during "Sun Hands," from their debut album Gorilla Manor. It's a rare gift to be able to maintain such a deep connection with fans in a large venue like the Riviera Theatre, but Local Natives pulled it off effortlessly.
Despite the high energy and excitement, the concert also had its share of intimate moments. One of which occurred at the very beginning of the show when Taylor Rice, Kelcey Ayer, and Ryan Hahn gathered around one microphone and performed the title track on their newest album, showcasing their three-part harmonies, which have always been a standout feature of their music. The band showed their versatility by slowing things down at times, allowing for a more personal and emotional connection with the audience. These quieter moments were a beautiful contrast to the explosive energy of the rest of the show and demonstrated the depth of Local Natives' artistry.
The visuals and lighting added another layer to the performance, enhancing the overall atmosphere and taking us on a visual journey that perfectly complemented the music. The stage design and lighting effects were captivating and immersive, adding to the overall magic of the evening. One moment in particular was during their song "Paper Lanterns" when the lights mimicked actual paper lanterns.
Local Natives closed the night with an encore that left the crowd wanting more and it was clear that this was a night no one in the room would forget anytime soon. This concert was a high-energy, emotionally charged, and intimate experience that exceeded all expectations. The band's ability to engage with the crowd and deliver a memorable performance reaffirmed why they are one of my favorite bands. Time will wait for no one, but Chicago will always wait for a Local Natives performance.
Chartreuse
5 Second of Summer @ TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park - Indianapolis
August 30th, 2023: 5 Second of Summer, Meet Me At The Alter @ TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park - Indianapolis, IN
5SOS - Photos Courtesy of: Asia Austin
On Wednesday, August 30th, I had the pleasure of seeing 5 Seconds of Summer live and if you’ve never seen this band perform before, or heard of the names, “Luke Hemmings”, “Calum Hood”, “Ashton Irwin”, or “Michael Clifford”, you’re definitely missing out. 5 Seconds of Summer, also known as “5SOS”, made their tour stop in Indianapolis, IN, and brought their “A game” along with them. With a packed out crowd all the way to the back of TCU Amphitheater at White State River Park, the show was filled with high energy and screaming fans from start to finish.
Opening for 5SOS was “Meet Me at The Altar”, an all-female rock band including lead singer Edith Victoria, bassist Téa Campbell, and drummer Ada Juarez. Performing their known songs such as “T.M.I”, “Say It”, and “Need Me”, and even doing a few covers such as “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers, there was never a dull moment and the crowd definitely proved that.
The night continued and 5SOS kicked their set off with “Bad Omens”, a fan favorite from their most recent album, “5SOS5”. The setlist was filled with a little bit of everything from each of their releases which is one of the many reasons why I enjoyed this show so much. Including songs such as “Don’t Stop, “Outer Space/Carry On”, “Want You Back”, “Me, Myself, and I”, and “She Looks So Perfect”, there was something to please everyone. Whether you became a fan a month ago or 10 years ago, this show was the place for anyone who wanted to sing and dance all night.
With fun and quirky intermission videos and a giant inflatable red dice that allowed the crowd to pick one of six songs to play, 5SOS never failed to keep their fans happy, laughing, and amused. At one point during the show, bassist Calum Hood stated that after that night, they were not sure when they would be back to see their fans in Indianapolis. But said that if the fans were willing to come back, so would the band. After a night as amazing as this one, I’m sure I’m not the only one already impatiently waiting for their return.
Meet Me At The Alter
little image @ Baby's All Right - Brooklyn
August 30th, 2023: little image @ Baby’s All Right - Brooklyn, NY
little image - Photos Courtesy of: Edwina Hay
Parliament Funkadelic ft. George Clinton @ Old Forester's Paristown Hall - Louisville
August 26th 2023: Parliament Funkadelic ft. George Clinton, Fishbone at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall - Louisville, KY
Photos courtesy of - Emily May
Parliament Funkadelic Ft George Clinton brought their Just For The Funk Of It Final Tour?!? to Paristown Hall on August 26th to a hyped and eclectic crowd of fans who were ready to dance, get funky, and have fun! Opening the show this evening was Los Angeles rock band Fishbone, who combined elements of ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae, and soul, resulting in a distinct sound that fans have been enjoying since the band formed in 1979. The band is touring with original members Angelo Moore, Norwood Fisher, Dirty Walt, and Chris Dowd (who hasn’t appeared on a Fishbone record since 1993), as well as longtime drummer John Steward and new guitarist Mark Phillips. Although the band experienced some technical issues during the first couple of songs, it didn’t slow the band down and the issues were quickly resolved! Starting their set off with fan-favorite “Party At Ground Zero”, they got the crowd hyped from the first note! Playing a 12-song set that included other hits such as “Everyday Sunshine” and “Ma & Pa”, they also performed a few songs from their latest self-titled EP (produced by Fat Mike) that included “All We Have Is Now”, “I Don’t Care”, and “Estranged Fruit”, their take on the Billie Holiday classic protest song that saw them collaborate with NOFX. Ending their set with “Servitude”, Norwood talked a bit about Parliament’s amazing legacy and announced to the crowd before leaving the stage “Maybe if we make enough noise the mothership will come down and land on us!”.
And land they did! George Clinton and his collective of Parliament-Funkadelic members came out on stage and it was an instant party! Everyone was having so much fun together on stage, with that energy quickly transferring to the crowd. At 83 years old, George Clinton was moving around the stage and having fun with his collective of singers and musicians and with the crowd. Spending much time at the front of the stage with his microphone out in the crowd, the fans happily sang along with him! He spent some time sitting in a chair towards the back of the stage when he wasn’t singing, but no less engaged, as other members of the collective all came together to take turns at the front. As energetic as the collective was on stage, the crowd was just as upbeat, dancing and singing along to every song! The energy was happy and euphoric and evidence of the power of music to bring people together for their love of the arts. Performing a set list that included Parliament and Funkadelic covers such as “Funkentelechy”, “Cosmic Slop”, “Baby Like Fonkin’ It Up”, “Get Low”, “Flash Light”, and the George Clinton hit “Atomic Dog”, they gave everyone a great night of music and a funky good time!
FISHBONE
Middle Kids @ The Mann - Philadelphia
August 26th 2023: Middle Kids @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia, PA
Middle Kids - Photos Courtesy of Carolyn Lederach
Australia’s Middle Kids made their return to the US opening for Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra’s The Amplified Echos tour. The tour closed out in Philadelphia on August 25th, a hot and humid Saturday night. Despite the radiating heat, the 4-piece gave a flawless performance of new and old tunes, including their latest bop “Highlands”. My only complaint is the short 8 track setlist, which leaves me in anticipation for them to return to the States on (hopefully) a headlining tour.
Setlist
Never Start
Mistake
Stacking Chairs
Highlands
R U 4 Me?
Questions
Bootleg Firecracker
Edge of Town
Outside Lands 2023 // San Francisco, CA
Outside Lands -- San Francisco, CA -- August 11-13, 2023
All Photos Courtesy of: Sabrina Poel
Izzy Bizu
The highly anticipated Outside Lands Music Festival kicked off its fifteenth anniversary in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park from August 11-13, with over 100 acts performed across eight stages. Over 220,000 festival attendees enjoyed live music, the best of the Bay Area’s food & wine, and art installations and visual displays.
With Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, ODESZA, Lana Del Rey, The 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, Zedd, and Janelle Monae at the top of the bill, Outside Lands never fails to bring a formidable and diverse roster of talent to this annual festival. Whether you’re the type of festival goer to sit back along cypress trees or let it all out against the barricade, Outside Lands has something for everyone – where else can you see Shaq (aka DJ Diesel), Noah Kahan, and Lil Yachty on the same lineup?
Day 1 —
Day one was a testament to the festival's eclectic lineup, featuring a diverse array of genres that catered to every taste. From indie rock to electronic beats, hip-hop, and beyond, the stages were lit with talent. For electronic and house music enthusiasts, the SOMA tent was a haven of pulsating beats and euphoric melodies. Internationally acclaimed DJs took festival-goers on a sonic journey through electronic landscapes, making it nearly impossible to stand still. LED light displays and immersive visuals synchronized seamlessly with the music, creating an atmosphere of pure ecstasy. The new Dolores open-air dance floor allowed for the energy of the SOMA tent and the atmosphere of the festival grounds to co-exist harmoniously.
One of the standout performances of the day came from alternative-indie artist, Ethel Cain. Her infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics had the crowd singing along to every word, turning the vast field into a unified sea of fans. As the sun went down, the park was illuminated by dazzling lights & visuals beaming through San Francisco’s own, Karl the Fog, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the experience. Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated headlining set on the main stage rang in quite the crowd. Playing crowd favorites across his entire discography, it’s impossible not to be in awe of his artistry and performance. As the curtain fell on day one, the air was palpable with anticipation for the days ahead.
Day 2 —
Indie folk artists like Father John Misty and Maggie Roger serenaded the day two-afternoon crowd with their melodic harmonies, creating an atmosphere of relaxed camaraderie. Across the way, French pop and nu-disco band L’Imperatrice, had the crowd moving from start to finish with their infectious beats. The night closed out with Foo Fighters, Lana Del Rey, and FISHER across the 3 main stages.
Day 3 —
The third and final day brought the exhilarating weekend to an awe-inspiring conclusion, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a sense of fulfillment. The major surprise of the day was a guest appearance by Izzy Bizu during ODESZA’s closing set. Fans were wonderfully caught off guard when Izzy Bizu graced the stage to join ODESZA for track “Forgive Me”, off their 2022 album, The Last Goodbye. In true ODESZA fashion, a firework show shot off during the final song, marking the end of a truly iconic weekend.
The eclectic mix of music, the mesmerizing art, the delectable food, and the undeniable sense of community all pointed to an extraordinary weekend in the heart of San Francisco. Outside Lands will return to Golden Gate Park August 9-11, 2024. For more information about the festival, visit sfoutsidelands.com
The Beths @ The Salt Shed - Chicago
August 24th, 2023: The Beths, Beach Bunny @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
The Beths - Photos Courtesy of: Timi Ikene
Beach Bunny's Lili Trifilio invited a stacked lineup to her Pool Party on Thursday, August 24th, which included New Zealand Natives The Beths! With their quintessential indie sound, The Beths dazzled and swooned the audience with their tunes. Having played the Salt Shed venue just a year prior with Courtney Barnett, the crowd was no stranger to The Beths, and sang "I'd Die a Little Death" and my personal favorite, "I'm Not Getting Excited" (which I did indeed get very excited for) with soul.
Next to the blow-up pool floatie-covered stage was Beach Bunny, the headlining act. Hailing from right here in Chicago, she created an atmosphere of peace and love right out the bat, playing her popular hits like the irreverent "Prom Queen" and "Pain Killer" to a crowd that has been following her since her DIY show days.
Beach Bunny
Almost Monday @ Headliners Music Hall - Louisville
August 15th, 2023: Almost Monday, Weathers, HOKO, and Feral Vices @ Headliners Music Hall - Louisville, KY
Almost Monday - Photos Courtesy of: Emily May
Almost Monday brought their Summer Tour 2023 to Headliners Music Hall recently for a fun and uplifting night of music! Opening the show this evening was local 2-piece alt-rock duo Feral Vices. Blowing through their short but catchy set of rock anthems had the crowd dancing in no time, Singer-guitarist Alexander Hoagland and drummer Justin Cottner were perfectly in sync and having fun together on stage, as well as with the crowd, thanking everyone for coming out early for their set. It was a great start to the evening! Next up was the New York dance-rock band Hoko, formed in 2020 by longtime friends Nathaniel Hoho (vocals) and Jesse Kotansky (guitar). These guys are the epitome of FUN. Starting out the set with Hoho standing at the front of the stage and greeting the crowd, he said “We’re gonna give you a good show tonight”, proceeding to do just that. Hoho, when he wasn’t bouncing around the stage, spent much of the set at the front of it, stretched out towards the crowd or knelt down on one knee, singing directly to them. Twice during the set, he jumped off the stage and sang amongst the crowd, which made for some fun moments. Kotansky, clad in a 70s-looking maroon suit and thick-rimmed translucent-lensed glasses, provided a heavy dose of fun energy and smiles on stage! I have no doubt that these guys made plenty of new fans this evening with their engaging and high-energy set!
Next up was the LA alt-rock band WEATHERS. Having formed in 2015, they have amassed a growing and passionate fan base. These guys were full of energy, with singer Cameron Boyer dancing around the stage with guitarist/backing vocalist Cameron Olsen and bassist/backing vocalist Brennen Bates. Boyer was incredibly engaging with the crowd, chatting with them between songs and leading them on a couple of occasions in sing-alongs, pitting one side of the crowd against the other to see who could sing louder! They sang a nice selection of songs from their 3 albums, as well as some singles, with many fans singing along to each one!
Ending the evening was San Diego indie-pop band Almost Monday. With their sunny, feel-good vibe, the trio had the crowd singing and dancing in no time! Singer Dawson Daugherty, clad in black sunglasses, danced around the stage, whipping his blonde curls around and simulating karate moves on a couple of occasions, having fun with his bandmates and with the crowd. Starting out the set with “Only Wanna Dance” and “Cool Enough”, the band played a fun and varied set list that included the recently released “Life Goes By”, as well as a couple of new and unreleased tracks- “Coast to Coast” and “You Look So Good”. With plenty of smiles and sing-alongs, they performed a super fun set that left everyone feeling happy and uplifted!
Weathers
HOKO
Feral Vices
