Lucy Dacus @ The Louisville Palace - Louisville
September 17th, 2025: Lucy Dacus with Slow Pulp @ The Louisville Palace - Louisville, KY
Lucy Dacus | Photos Courtesy of: Emily May
Indie rock singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus brought her Forever Is A Feeling North America Tour to The Louisville Palace on September 17th to a packed venue of fans! Having released her latest album, Forever Is A Feeling, in March of this year, Dacus performed several songs this evening from the new album, including “Ankles”, “Modigliani”, and “Talk”, as well as older tracks, delighting both older and newer fans alike. The stage production and set-up were really nice, with soft lighting and screens at the back of the stage that projected scenes of nature and other soothing scenes, leading to a cosy and intimate experience. Dacus spent time all around the stage, whether interacting with her band, sitting on the platform near the keyboard, or walking along the front of the stage to engage with her fans. She talked early in the set about how much she loved The Louisville Palace Theater and how it reminded her of a theatre she loved in Richmond, VA where she grew up.
One of the funnest parts of the evening came ahead of her performance of “Best Guess”, as she welcomed a couple out on the stage to get married. Dacus, who is ordained to perform weddings, has been marrying couples onstage at each tour stop after inquiring, ahead of the tour, about whether or not people facing barriers to marriage would like to get married on the tour. She called Chloe and Sydney (I hope I got the names right!) to the stage, who had travelled all the way from Colorado Springs, asking them if they had anything they wanted to say about their love for each other and why they wanted to get married, before performing the short ceremony. The couple then danced together as Dacus performed the song, and she then sent them off stage with a red rose, a hug, and well wishes, saying, “May your love last forever!”. It was a beautiful and heartfelt moment!
She later invited her bandmate Dominic Angelella to the couch near the front of the stage to perform “Bullseye" with her, in a very intimate and acoustic performance. She then performed a few more songs, announcing that we were approaching the part of the evening where the show was almost over. Smiling through the echo of boos from the crowd, she said that this is the only time it is ok to get boos from the crowd! She ended her pre-encore set with the title track from the new album. She and her band then performed a 2-song encore, starting out with “True Blue”, a song by Boygenius, the trio she is in with Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers. She ended the evening with “Night Shift” from her 2018 album Historian. Lucy Dacus is an incredible performer with a deep and loyal fan base with whom she shares a deep connection. It was an evening full of fun, intimate moments of love, and great music! Chicago-based indie rock band Slow Pulp opened the show and got the crowd warmed up with their dreamy and raw rock sounds. It was a great night all around!
SLOW PULP
The Hives @ House of Blues - Houston
September 9th 2025: The Hives @ House of Blues Houston - Houston, TX
The Hives | Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Alvarez
The Hives returned to Houston for the first time since 2021, this time with Snooper opening. I only caught the end of Snooper’s set, but their high-octane punk energy set the stage perfectly for the night.
From the first note, The Hives proved why they’re one of the most electrifying live acts around. I photographed the first three songs from the pit, and in that short time, the band’s charisma was undeniable. Frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist was everywhere at once, working the stage, locking eyes with the crowd, and even stepping down into the audience straight from the photo pit to sing shoulder to shoulder with fans. Guitarist Nicholaus Arson matched him in intensity, slashing out riffs while leaning into the crowd, feeding off their energy. The connection between band and audience was raw and immediate.
Unfortunately, after the third song, I was trying to head upstairs to get overhead images, but I ended up stuck in the venue’s elevator for over an hour and twenty minutes. By the time the Houston Fire Department got me out of the elevator, the show had ended, and fans were leaving the venue.
Even with this mishap, the brief time I spent in the pit was enough to remind me: The Hives don’t just play shows, they create an experience that’s larger than life. The Hives don’t just perform, they ignite the room.
Linkin Park @ Moda Center - Portland
September 19th 2025: Linkin Park @ Moda Center - Portland, OR
Linkin Park | Photos Courtesy of: Christina Hall
Linkin Park visited Portland, Oregon, for the first time in over 20 years for their From Zero World Tour. This is the first tour without Chester Bennington, who lost his life to suicide in 2017 and drummer, Rob Bourdon. Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain were invited to join the band in 2023 to take on those roles.
The stage was centred in the arena, and each band member had their own “home”. Above the band were giant screens that weren’t just for the fans in the higher seats; they were part of the creative production of graphics, lasers, and dynamic lighting. Everything presented truly complemented the songs and what was happening on stage, and sometimes stunned the crowd. The beginning of the set felt like there was some restraint. Rather than jumping in with full force, it felt like the band held space for fans who felt deeply for Emily’s predecessor, heavily letting the crowd sing along not only for the first song, Somewhere I Belong, but also for all of the songs fans hold near and dear throughout the night. Songs from their most recent album Zero World Tour, were sprinkled in throughout the night, as well as a couple of Fort Minor songs, where Mike Shinoda walked around the barricade and rapped into the crowd. Halfway through the show, the stage was flipped so those who had their backs to one side of the crowd would now face the other side. The energy spiked with One Step Closer. Mosh pits were encouraged by the band. Joe Hahn schooled the crowd with a scratching solo. A disco intro of Numb showed a playful side of the band.
The new vocalist faces an impossible task, but doesn’t attempt to replace the beloved Chester. As someone hesitant themself, I can say that Emily offers her own interpretation, and setting any of the discourse around her to the side, her voice does merit the benefit of an open mind.
Spacey Jane @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia
September 6th 2025: Spacey Jane @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia, PA
Spacey Jane - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
Australia’s Spacey Jane made their return to Philadelphia, playing their largest headlining show to date at The Fillmore. Despite the rain, eager fans flocked to the venue to catch the band’s set. Spacey Jane is currently on tour in support of their third studio album, If That Makes Sense. With a catalogue full of bops, it’s hard to complain about any songs on the setlist.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a band who have fully taken up a stage. Not in the sense of stage set-up, but in coverage. Each member’s instrument was wireless, and you could often find them chasing around each other, or leaping through the air, and having nothing but fun on stage. Although there wasn’t much stage banter, the number of songs they packed in made up for it. I truly can’t wait til Spacey Jane returns!
Setlist
Through My Teeth
Estimated Delivery
Skin
Lunchtime
All The Noise
Sawteeth
Whateverrrr
How to Kill Houseplants
Feeding the Family
Thrills
It's Been a Long Day
Ily the Most
Head Cold
Good for You
Hardlight
Booster Seat
Encore:
So Much Taller
Lots of Nothing
Rilo Kiley @ The Met - Philadelphia
September 4th 2025: Rilo Kiley @ The Met - Philadelphia, PA
Jenny Lewis | Rilo Kiley - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
After a 17-year touring hiatus, Rilo Kiley returned to Philadelphia’s The Met on a rainy evening of September 4th 2025. The theatre was full of eager Rilo Kiley fans excited for their return. The band delivered a flawless set featuring a mix of legendary RK tracks. To the crowd’s delight, Jenny Lewis also shared her Philly connection, as her father was from South Philly and an avid harmonica player who influenced Lewis in her younger years. As someone who never thought they’d see “Portions for Foxes” live, the set certainly did not disappoint. It was an exciting time to be amongst a room full of fans taking in the nostalgic tracks.
Setlist
The Execution of All Things
Wires and Waves
Spectacular Views
The Moneymaker
Dreamworld
I Never
Close Call
Paint's Peeling
It's a Hit
Does He Love You?
Ripchord
The Good That Won't Come Out
Silver Lining
With Arms Outstretched
A Better Son/Daughter
Portions for Foxes
Encore:
More Adventurous
Frug
Pictures of Success
Glass Animals @ Edgefield Concerts On The Lawn - Troutdale
August 12th 2025: Glass Animals, Orla Gartland @ Edgefield Concerts On The Lawn - Troutdale, Oregon
Glass Animals | Photos Courtesy of: Christina Hall
Fans, fittingly, endured the 95-degree heat wave in the Portland, Oregon area to show up for Glass Animals at McMenamins Edgefield, located in Troutdale, supported by Olga Gartland. Both came off sets at Outside Lands the past weekend as part of their Tour of the World Tour.
Fans sprawled on the lawn of Edgefield on towels and chairs. Before the sun went down, Olga Gartland ran out on stage to a recording of Bonnie Tyler’s, Holding Out For A Hero possibly an ode to her latest album, “Everybody Needs a Hero”. Accompanied by drummer, Sara Leigh Shaw, and guitarist/keyboardist, Scarlet Halton whom she lovingly called the Divas, began the set. She had a playfulness about her, rocking out on the stage with a melodic voice. A few from the pit sang along to Late to the Party. After she played a few of her songs, before covered Chappell Roan’s, Red Wine Supernova and started her sing-along.
The iconic pineapple (traditionally given away during “Pork Soda”) could be found stage left. Smoke blew from the pit, signalling the start of the show. Illustrations of galaxies displayed on the screen are having a conversation about their enthusiasm for the Glass Animals to take the stage.. The stage was designed as if the band was on a spaceship with computer monitors and a bubble that lit up different images, including one that said Edgefield as they began singing “Life Itself”. The space theme was supported throughout with visuals of planets and stars on the screen and lasers that audibly thrilled the crowd. During Creatures in Heaven, lead vocalist Wavey Davey was impressed by the sea of different colored cell phone lights from the crowd that a fan had set up. He later went out into the crowd during Gooey followed up by Vampire Bat, their latest single released a week prior. A noticeable breeze could be felt at the encore, but relief from the high temperatures could not be felt from their final song, Heat Waves.
Orla Gartland
My Chemical Romance @ Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia
August 15th 2025: My Chemical Romance, Alice Cooper @ Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
My Chemical Romance returned to Philly for the first time since 2022, just across the street from where we last saw them, at the Phillies stadium (AKA Citizens Bank Park). The band was joined by the legend, Alice Cooper, donning a pirate-themed stage set-up.
Leading up to the set time, we were reminded of the “Rules” to follow at Draag, leading us into the dystopian cityscape where. After a drum procession, the band took the stage to punch in their time cards. Before being able to perform, much like in the sports stadium we were all standing in, we needed to kick things off with the National Anthem of Draag, as a singer took the stage at stage B in the centre of the stadium. MCR proceeded to play Black Parade in its entirety, including a guest appearance by the Phillie Phanatic, as he threw cheesesteaks into the audience (which seemed like a cheesy edition in retrospect of the themes of the rest of the show). This was followed by the ceremonial execution. The show continued and concluded with the murder/suicide of Gerard and the former dictator, as the rest of the band got kidnapped and taken off stage.
The crowd was graced with a cello solo by Clarice Jensen on Stage B as the band took some time to return to themselves. Moments later, the band was escorted out to Stage B in normal street clothes to continue the show. This set-up gave a very throwback feel, like they were returning to their roots to play the older hits. Feeling equally bad for anyone who had any floor seats and was further out from the stage, it was virtually impossible to see anything happening on Stage B aside from anything displayed on the projector screen. For anyone following along on this tour, the songs on Stage B change from each show; tonight was no different. As some of the hits from Three Cheers were on the list, we were treated to some B-sides, but overall, the crowd seemed to be showing some disappointment about missing out on some key tracks they were hoping to hear from MCR’s older catalogue. Alas, you could tell the band was having a lot of fun being back together and performing. Can’t wait to see how the rest of these shows play out as we all continue to decipher the little changes that unfold each night.
Setlist
Tonight You Belong to Me (Irving Kaufman song)
Over Fields (The National Anthem of Draag)
The End.
Dead!
This Is How I Disappear
The Sharpest Lives
Welcome to the Black Parade
I Don't Love You
House of Wolves
Cancer
Mama (ft. opera singer Marianne)
Sleep
Teenagers
Disenchanted
Famous Last Words
The End. (Reprise)
Blood
B-Stage
From A to B (performed by Clarice Jensen)
Headfirst for Halos (tour debut)
Bury Me in Black
I'm Not Okay (I Promise)
DESTROYA
Heaven Help Us
Give 'Em Hell, Kid (Dedicated to a fan named Joyce)
The Foundations of Decay
Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)
Helena
The Kids From Yesterday
Alice Cooper
Lord Huron @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia
August 1st 2025: Lord Huron, Lee Fields @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia, PA
Lord Huron - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
Lord Huron made their return to Philadelphia on August 1st in support of their latest album, The Cosmic Selector, Vol 1. After making a stop earlier in the day to WXPN’s Free at Noon series, the band concluded the night at The Mann Center.
Delivering a flawless 4 part set highlighting the band’s full catalog, there were also special interludes every 3-5 songs which included a couple special guests on stage. The audience could find two actors/dancers exploring some themes to the setlist throughout the night like searching, finding love, and losing it.
On top of special guests, the stage production also brought us on a journey throughout the night, changing numerous times. We started the show in an apocalyptic type setting with just a payphone on stage. This changed into a sweeping dystopian desert landscape with displays of “feeling lost ?” As we continued through more desert scapes, we ended the night in the forest as a ”storm” brought down lighted branches we were transported into a night scape of swampland and forest.
After following Lord Huron for several years now, I can truly say this was the best they’ve sounded and their stage production throughout the years has continued to go unmatched. I can’t wait to see what a Volume 2 of Cosmic Selector might have in store.
Setlist
Who Laughs Last (Kristen Stewart recording)
Looking Back
Bag of Bones
Ends of the Earth
The Ghost on the Shore
Wait by the River
Secret of Life
Used to Know
Ancient Names (Part I)
Long Lost
Twenty Long Years
Watch Me Go
I Lied
La Belle Fleur Sauvage
Frozen Pines
Meet Me in the Woods
The Night We Met
Encore:
The Night We Met (Reprise)
The World Ender
Nothing I Need
Not Dead Yet
Digging Up the Past
Lee Fields
