KATTFEST @ Lucky Star Casino Amphitheatre - El Reno, Oklahoma
August 22nd 2026: KATTFEST @ Lucky Star Casino Amphitheatre - El Reno, Oklahoma
KATTFEST | Photos Courtesy of: Ally Arens
In celebration of over 50 years as a station, Oklahoma City’s local rock radio mainstays, The Katt, hosted their annual KATTFEST at Lucky Star Casino in Concho, just outside of El Reno, OK, bringing together music fans of all ages in the pursuit of rock and roll. The day-long extravaganza featured acts from multiple sub-genres of the rock umbrella, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Kicking off the show was Atrus, a local metal band from Oklahoma City who had won the station’s local Battle of the Bands to earn their spot on the KATTFEST stage. They had a unique energy and got the show started with a bang.
The next two sets were those that I was personally most excited for - Eva Under Fire and Mothica. By performing this show, Eva Under Fire was able to finally break a multi-show curse of having their OKC shows cancelled by their respective headliners at the last minute, and it was worth the wait. As the opening notes of “Awakening” rang through the amphitheatre, Amanda’s powerful vocals echoed and captivated all within earshot. Their latest album Villainous was the focal point, though they made sure to include a couple of throwbacks like “Heroin(e)” and “Blow” as well, ensuring that they would be welcomed back to OKC any time.
Mothica’s appearance at the festival was special as well, as she was born in Tulsa, OK and grew up in the OKC area, and the show was her first hometown performance in a few years. Though her sound is overall a bit poppier than the typical KATT listener may be used to, the station has shown her lots of love over the years on their Local Talent Show segment highlighting the plethora of talent in the state, and she absolutely rocked it. Plus, her latest EP Somewhere in Between is some of the heaviest music she’s released thus far, proving that “rock-ica” deserves her place on the KATTFEST stage. Mothica is currently on the road supporting Jutes - her upcoming shows can be found here.
The next two acts brought their own flair to the stage as well - Ayron Jones and Sleep Theory. Ayron Jones is a southern-rock trio hailing from Seattle, WA, and they brought some soul to the stage with tracks like “Blood in the Water,” “Boys From Puget Sound,” and “Filthy.” They also channelled their Seattle roots with a Nirvana cover, switching up the vibes a bit and bringing some groove and soul to the festival. Meanwhile, Sleep Theory had the unfortunate luck of playing while the sun wrought its fiercest rays of the day yet, but their energy was incredible as they played through some of their hits from their latest album Afterglow like “Fallout” and “Words are Worthless”, as well as their breakout single “Numb.” However, none got the crowd quite as amped up as their rendition of the *NSYNC classic “Bye Bye Bye” - a live staple of theirs that finally got the studio treatment this summer.
Though I was beginning to question my life choices by this point in the day as the sun sweltered on, there was still much more to come as co-headliners I Prevail and Chevelle were still on the way. I Prevail are no strangers to the KATTFEST stage, having played alongside Godsmack, Bad Omens, and others at the event’s 2023 edition. Despite their lineup shifts since then, with the departure of co-vocalist Brian Burkheiser, guitarist Dylan Bowman has stepped up to the plate, holding his own against the brutal screams of Eric Vanlerberghe. Their career-spanning set ranged from their breakout cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” to newer hits like “Violent Nature” and “Into Hell,” cementing their place as metalcore badasses. Chevelle, on the other hand, got off to a touch of a rough start when an unexplained technical issue ground their set to a halt after their second song. Thankfully, this was short-lived, and the opening notes of “An Island” roared a few minutes later. Despite the technical difficulties, they sounded phenomenal as they offered the first taste of their latest stage show, set to accompany them alongside Breaking Benjamin throughout the US shortly. Overall, KATTFEST was an incredible day full of amazing people and amazing music, offering a great escape from daily life for a few hours.
Sleep Theory
Mothica
I Prevail
Eva Under Fire
Chevelle
Ayron Jones
Atrus
Motionless in White @ The Zoo Amphitheatre - Oklahoma City, OK
August 11th 2026: Motionless in White, Lorna Shore, Fit For a King @ The Zoo Amphitheare - Oklahoma City, OK
Motionless in White | Photos Courtesy of: Ally Arens
Heavy music veterans Motionless in White are in the midst of the first leg of their Sweat and Blood tour across North America, bringing their theatricality and energy to stages across the country alongside fellow heavyweights Lorna Shore, Fit For a King, and Static Dress. When the tour came through Oklahoma City’s Zoo Amphitheatre for Motionless’ largest headliner in the city yet, they emphasized the “sweat” of “sweat and blood” by playing on an outdoor stage in the midst of a several-day 100+ degree day heatwave, but that didn’t stop fans from showing up in droves and making the show memorable for all in attendance.
First to take the stage, a half-hour earlier than originally scheduled, was Static Dress. Hailing from the UK, the band, fronted by vocalist Olli Appleyard, got the crowd amped up with tracks such as “Nostalgia Kills,” “...hospice,” and “human props.” Though I was not super familiar with them before the show, I thought they set the tone for the evening very nicely and look forward to seeing what’s next.
Next up was Fit For a King, who absolutely scorched the already scorching stages as they launched their set with “Backbreaker” and recent single “Blood Pact,” followed by the melodic, anthemic “Begin the Sacrifice.” Between vocalist Ryan Kirby’s powerful vocals and bassist Tuck O’Leary’s constant jumping and guitar-spinning, their performance was extremely captivating. Having seen FFAK once before with Motionless on the Dark Horizon tour back in 2023, I can confidently say that both bands were outstanding then and have only gotten better since.
The final support act was probably one of the buzziest heavy bands of late, Lorna Shore, fronted by the enigmatic Will Ramos. The crowd got hyped as soon as the first riffs of “To The Hellfire” rang through the amphitheatre, and did not let up for the entirety of their 45-minute set. Though Ramos’ intense growls are not for the faint of heart, they certainly captured the crowd’s attention, and I can understand why fans of more hardcore music have been gravitating towards them, even if it’s not necessarily what I would personally go out of my way to reach for.
At long last, just before 9 p.m., the sun had finally set, offering some temperature relief - though this would not last far into Motionless’s set, as their ample pyrotechnics heated things back up. Launching with “Sign of Life” from 2024’s Scoring the End of the World, Chris Motionless and co. brought their unmistakable energy that fans old and new have come to love over the band’s 20-year career, and did not slow down once. Going into the evening, I would be lying if I hadn’t been concerned about the concert possibly having to be postponed after hearing of a shortened setlist due to Chris feeling ill at their Utah show on August 7. If I hadn’t seen chatter of that beforehand, though, I wouldn’t have known anything different, as the entire band sounded nothing short of phenomenal.
As the band recently dropped their latest album Decades, and have been reflecting on their beginnings to now, their whopping 19-track setlist was an amazing mixture of old & new, going all the way back to “Abigail” from their debut full-length to newest singles “Afraid of the Dark,” “Playing God,” and “R.I.P,” along with their devilishly fun cover of “Sunglasses at Night.” As someone who has now seen Motionless in White live four times, I can say with confidence that there is no one out there putting on a show quite like them. From vocals that can go from vicious to soothingly melodic in a second, ripping guitars and drums, along with stunning choreography from the Cherry Bombs, the current MIW stage show is a truly unique and wonderful sight to behold.
Though leg one of the Sweat and Blood tour has concluded, leg two picks up just before Halloween in Worcester, MA. All upcoming shows can be found on Motionless’ website, and check out Decades wherever you get your music.
Lorna Shore
Fit For a King
Hilary Duff @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia, PA
August 9th 2026: Hilary Duff @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia, PA
Hilary Duff | Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
A Millennial’s Dream would be the best way to describe the Hilary Duff concert experience. Arriving at the show, the crowd was full of superfans dressed in classic 90’s looks and costumed characters spanning Duff’s film and TV career. In a way, the show felt like a reunion (and I’m not just saying that, as I know the majority of the ladies I've known throughout my life were in attendance). Welcoming us to a cosy, pink-carpeted stage, filled with comforting neon glows, cityscapes, and sparkles, Hilary took the stage to the eager screams of fans awaiting her return to the spotlight. Even though this Lucky Me tour highlighted her return to music in support of her latest album, Hilary did not leave out the songs that we all know and love from our childhoods. There was something extremely comforting about this show that I haven’t felt in a while. Between the clips of Hilary highlighting her family and snippets of her growing up on TV, her kids running out to hug her at the end of the set, and the Citywide and vintage Aaron Carter t-shirt. The show just felt like a warm hug, reminding us of the better times of the 90’s/early 00’s
Setlist
Wake Up (With extended intro and elements of "Mature")
So Yesterday
Roommates
Weather for Tennis
The Math
Breathe In. Breathe Out.
Sparks (Shortened)
Future Tripping
With Love (with excerpts of "Dreamer")
Beat of My Heart
You, from the Honeymoon
Anywhere but Here
Growing Up
Fly (Extended Intro)
Holiday Party
We Don't Talk
Why Not
Adult Size Medium
Come Clean
Mature
What Dreams Are Made Of
5 Seconds of Summer @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion - Camden, NJ
August 8th 2026: 5 Seconds of Summer, The Band Camino @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion - Camden, NJ
5 Seconds of Summer | Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
The Band Camino
Tame Impala @ Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia, PA
July 15th 2026: Tame Impala, Djo @ Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia, PA
Tame Impala | Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
For the first time since 2022, Tame Impala returned to Philly’s Xfinity Mobile Arena on July 11th 2026. Taking up 2 stages in the centre of the arena, the massive room was packed and full of one of the best light, laser, and strobe shows I’ve ever witnessed. Opening the show was none other than the star from the “Loser” music video, Joe Keery (aka Djo). Coming off his worldwide tour over the last year in support of his latest album. The Tame Impala setlist did not disappoint for fans new and old; there was a bit of everything. Including some fun bits like the solo B stage set by Kevin. Encased with a single overhead light at times that seemed like an alien abduction in a living room, Kevin performed “Ethereal Connection” and “Not My World”. There was also a brief intermission where the camera followed Kevin off stage, then backstage to take a leak (yes, he did wash his hands) before returning to perform the remainder of the set.
Setlist
Apocalypse Dreams
Deadbeat Jam
Borderline
Loser
Breathe Deeper
Gossip
Elephant
Afterthought
Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
Dracula
No Reply
(Instrumental)
Stage B
Ethereal Connection
Not My World
Main Stage
Let It Happen
Nangs
Alter Ego
Yes I'm Changing
Eventually
New Person, Same Old Mistakes
Encore:
My Old Ways
The Less I Know the Better
End of Summer
Djo
Jack Harlow @ Andrew J. Brady Music Center - Cincinnati, Ohio
Jack Harlow | Photos Courtesy of Asia Austin
August 13th 2026: Jack Harlow @ Andrew J. Brady Music Center - Cincinnati, OH
Jack Harlow | Photos Courtesy of: Asia Austin
On August 13, 2026, Jack Harlow performed at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, OH. His ‘Monica Tour’ has been in full swing, and with it being his first album tour in four years, Harlow proved he’s better than ever. Opening the show with fan favorites from his Monica album such as “Prague”, “Trade Places”, and “Lonesome”, Harlow delivered a very charismatic and crowd-focused performance that showed confidence and warmth towards his fans.
With the help of his openers, Clockwork DJ and James Savage, Harlow proves that he’s able to carry an arena while also making personal connections that can be felt in the back of the room. His banter with the fans is disarmingly funny and is filled with easygoing relatability. And while showcasing he’s been all around the world, he manages to stay grounded by extending love and gratitude to his hometown of Louisville, KY.
The set mixes his biggest radio hits like “What’s Poppin”, “Industry Baby”, and “First Class” while also sprinkling in songs that are sacred to his true fans such as “Sundown”, “Warsaw” and “Ghost”. The production included a very simplistic stage setup with backup singers and a live band that allowed Harlow to deliver his infectious vocals and melodies at ease. There is no doubt that the fans were left buzzing, and Jack Harlow put on a show that easily matches his growing stature in both R&B and Hip-Hop.
James Savage
idobi Summer School Tour @ Crystal Ballroom - Portland, Oregon
July 23rd 2026: idobi Summer School Tour: Honey Revenge, Games We Play, South Arcade, Winona Fighter, Chase Petra, Laughing About Nothing @ Crystal Ballroom - Portland, Oregon
idobi Summer School Tour - Photos Courtesy of: Christina Hall
The idobi Radio Summer School tour concluded in Portland, Oregon, at the Crystal Ballroom. The show started with a local band, Laughing About Nothing. With their energy and stage presence, you would have assumed they were the headliners; they didn’t hold back. Chase Petra followed next; lead singer Hunter Allen gave off cool-girl energy with a fun sense of humor mixed into their set. The stage felt full even though it was just a guitar and drums on stage. Winona Fighter literally kicked things up a notch, rocking out, reminding the crowd of concert etiquette, and joked that some of the fans would need to look up who the Beastie Boys are after a Sabotage cover. Their energy was comparable to Amyl and the Sniffers. South Arcade came out with their Y2K dance vibe and had no issues performing Famous, where the night before their mics went out. Games We Play set also felt like a throwback to the soundtrack of an early 2000’s movie. They didn’t take themselves too seriously in a good way. Closing out the night was Honey Revenge, who have really settled into themselves in the past few years. The pit opened up throughout the different acts, even with some performers joining in. The security team earned their keep when the final act announced a crowd surfer contest with an attempt to beat the previous night’s record. The tour was meant to be a vehicle for young fans to discover emerging artists, although one could argue this lineup could satisfy the millennial who loves the pop-punk scene.
Orville Peck @ Roundhouse - London, Engla
June 30th 2026: Orville Peck, Talullah Argue @ Roundhouse - London, England
Orville Peck - Photos Courtesy of: Brittany Rose Queen
Orville Peck brought his heartfelt brand of alternative country to Roundhouse in London, England, on June 30th. This venue was built in the 1800’s as a railway shed; its striking shape and antique build fit right into the band’s modernised wild west aesthetic.
Orville Peck opened his set by informing the audience of his three nonnegotiable rules:
If you want to sing along, you have to sing along
If you want to dance, you have to dance
If you want to cry, come on, baby, cry
Orville and his band had the crowd captivated as they dashed through the set with album-quality performances of songs throughout their discography. This included fan favorites from Pony, Bronco, Stampede, and his newest release, Appaloosa.
This show was a celebration of not only Orville’s music, but of the queer community and queer love. To celebrate the last night of Pride Month, the masked singer even graced the crowd with a gorgeous version of Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club that had the entire room on its feet, arm in arm, yelling every word.
The crowd was enthralled by Peck’s voice and cowboy charm, and it seems that even without his go-to set of rules, everyone in the building would have sung, danced, and cried.
Talullah Argue
