Published blog for Harry Acosta, Columbus-based designer and photographer
Throughout the concert, Becky G made a point to connect with her fans. Between songs, she shared stories about her upbringing and the struggles she faced in the industry. Her honesty resonated deeply with the fans, who appreciated her authenticity and how she celebrated her roots as a Latina artist. She is an artist who genuinely valued her heritage and the importance of community.
The venue, known for its atmosphere and excellent acoustics, was packed with fans eager to take in the band’s unique blend of Jazz, soul, and pop. Delivering energy and nostalgia, their performance was both charming and heartwarming. Positive energy flowed through the upbeat and somber tempos of their catalog of music alike.
As a casual fan, you’ll realize how many of their songs you know and love. As a serious fan, you’ll be delighted by the setlist — a mix of tracks from their discography, blending older favorites with new material from their latest album Brain Damage. The crowd experienced the live debut of “Traveling at the Speed of Light.” and the supremely popular, fan favorite coined “Double Destruction”.
Ela Melo and the band were finally back on tour, sounding as good as ever. Meol’s ability to oscillate between tender introspection and explosive passion was on full display. Stage lights and Ela’s distinctive voice, characterized by its raw intensity and emotional depth, set the tone for the evening and drew the crowd into the band’s world.
On September 7, 2024, Nationwide Arena in Columbus became a “space hub” of nostalgia and innovation as Dinosaur Jr., The Flaming Lips, and Weezer delivered their "Journey to the Blue Planet" tour. This concert, an audacious blend of alternative rock, psychedelic experimentation, and pop-punk anthems, lived up to the hype.
Dinosaur Jr. opened the evening with their blend of fuzzed-out guitars and introspective lyrics. J Mascis’ iconic, distorted riffs blasted through the arena while Jay Barlow flailed around rhythmically in mismatched socks. Dinosaur Jr. remains a cornerstone of alternative rock with their raw intensity.
The Flaming Lips followed with a condensed version of their typically eccentric and visually dazzling spectacle. Wayne Coyne, ever the showman, led the audience through a mesmerizing journey of lights and sounds and of course a few pink robots. Their performance is always an immersive experience that is both whimsical and profound.
Even if you have seen Weezer perform live before, this was by far, their biggest spectacle. Their performance was split into three acts while they took part in their “Journey to the Blue Planet”. As they have done in several of their past shows, the backdrop display was a huge part of their stage performance — this time, blasting off and taking us throughout the galaxy. Patrick, Scott, Brian, and Rivers brandished spacesuits, each with their own individual patch scheme. Their ability to blend nostalgia with fresh, upbeat energy ensured that their performance was both a celebration of their past hits and a showcase of their continued relevance in the alternative rock scene. The Journey to the Blue Planet may have only lasted a few hours, but it took 30 years to get here, and will likely be remembered for decades to come.
Starset’s Immersion tour stopped at Kemba Live on August 31, 2024, and it was a futuristic spectacle that immersed people in an experience that involved music, technology, and cinematic storytelling. Their show is something much bigger now. As soon as you walk into Kemba Live!, there is a long holographic display welcoming you into the venue by providing just enough information to provoke intrigue. For fans and newcomers alike, the show was a full-dive experience into the band's unique universe.
Sammy Rae & The Friends brought a fresh, genre-blending approach while The Avett Brothers provided a reflective and emotionally resonant counterpoint. They are known for their earnest, heartfelt performances that can bring fans to tears. Their set was a journey through their extensive discography, featuring both fan favorites and new material from their eponymous album released in May.
Unfortunately, when Jenny Lewis took the stage, the entire venue got a lot hotter. Known for her poignant songwriting and eclectic musical style, Jenny Lewis delivered a performance that captivated young and old. As the lights dimmed and the first chords of “The Big Guns” reverberated through the hall, the audience was drawn into Lewis’s world. A few fan favorites were missing, but the setlist was a journey of Lewis’s artistic evolution since the start of her solo career after her departure from Rilo Kiley, over ten years ago.
Maggie Rose’s performance at the A&R Music Bar on May 31, 2024, emphasized her musical versatility and emotional resonance too. Known for her ability to blend genres, dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess, Maggie delivered a set that punctuated her versatility and depth as an artist. Maggie is a performer whose true vocal talent transcends the studio recordings during her live performance.
Morgan Wade and Alex Dezen illuminated the stage at the Mershown Auditorium in Columbus, Ohio for fans young and old.
April 26, Wexner Center Mershon Auditorium in Columbus, Ohio, hosted a two and a half hour, all acoustic performance, bringing together country fans of all ages. They were by no means the primary audience but there were a great deal of elementary-aged girls and boys in attendance. It is likely that the acoustic, female vocalist performances made for a more inviting scene for parents to bring their children.
Performing first was the talented Alex Dezen, whose songwriting prowess and musical ingenuity added a layer of depth to the evening's performance. His sound was more indi-folk rather than country for his solo set, but in line with his band the Damnwells started in 2000. Dezen's introspective lyrics and poignant melodies resonated deeply with the audience, drawing them into a world of raw emotion and introspection. His ability to craft songs that speak to the human experience in such a profound way is remarkable.
The auditorium didn’t fill up until just before Morgan Wade’s performance which is a shame because Alex Dezen was entertaining with his soothing, vocals, strumming and real-to-life lyrics and witty banter.
Morgan Wade, with her commanding presence and raw vocal talent, captured the audience immediately. Her voice, a blend of grit and vulnerability, soared through the auditorium, filling every corner with its emotive power. From the haunting melodies of her ballads to the fiery intensity of her anthems, Wade's performance was authentic.
But it wasn't just her musical prowess that made the evening so special; it was also her genuine connection with the audience. Between songs, both Wade and Dezen took the time to engage with the crowd, sharing stories and anecdotes that added a personal touch to the performance. She was accompanied by a fella named Clint on stage. Despite praising him for being a good dad, she was able to make him the friendly butt of her jokes on stage for the majority of the night.
Her accent was paired with her plain-clothed, casual atmosphere. It was clear that they weren't just there to play music; they were there to connect with each and every person in the audience on a deeper level.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a sense of bittersweetness in the air. On one hand, people were reluctant to see the performance end, wanting to bask in the magic of Wade and Dezen's music for just a little while longer. But on the other hand, there was a feeling of gratitude for having been able to experience something so special.
By the close of the evening, Morgan Wade and Alex Dezen delivered a performance that touched the hearts and minds of everyone in attendance. From the moment they stepped onto the stage, it was evident that this evening would be nothing short of extraordinary. Their talent, passion, and authenticity were on full display, leaving a mark on those fortunate enough to witness it; a testament to the power of music to touch the soul and unite us all in shared humanity.
Before Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, was set alight by Olivia Rodrigo's sensational performance, the stage was graced by the soulful presence of Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, a 25-year-old singer from Missouri, better known as Chappell Roan. Chappell is an outspoken, drag persona on stage to counter the shy Kayleigh.
Roan is a rising star with a voice that effortlessly traverses the realms of pop and indie folk. Roan took to the stage with an aura of understated confidence, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Her melodies and introspective lyrics set the perfect tone for the evening, drawing listeners into her world with tracks like “Red Wine Supernova” and "Pink Pony Club." These songs showcased Roan's unique blend of indie pop and folk influences, drawing the audience in with their hooks and evocative storytelling.
With just 9 songs, she bolstered her fanbase and left an impact on audience members who may have only come to see the headliner for the same heartbreaking and cathartic music. Roan left an indelible mark on the audience, setting the tone for the evening.
Performing 24 all-original songs in just shy of 2 hours, complete with 2 acoustic versions, a costume change, and a ride on a crescent moon over the stage, Olivia Rodrigo gave fans more than they could have expected. From the moment she belted out the opening notes of “Bad Idea Right?,” Rodrigo had the crowd hanging on her every word. With a voice that transitions from powerful belting to delicate whispers, it was evident that she poured her heart and soul into every lyric, every melody, every movement.
She spilled her Guts, helping young women relate to the trials of growing up, and creating melodic pop sounds for the rest to enjoy too. Yes there were teens attending their first live performance, but there were also 30- and 40-year-olds enjoying the rawness to her performance that was both captivating and deeply authentic.
In between songs, Rodrigo took some moments to connect with her fans, expressing her gratitude for their support and sharing personal anecdotes that added an intimate touch to the evening. It was clear that she wasn't just there to put on a show; she was there to create a shared experience, to make every person in the audience feel seen and understood. What truly set Rodrigo's performance apart was its intimacy. despite performing in front of thousands of fans.
One of the most striking aspects of Rodrigo's performance was her ability to effortlessly transition between vulnerability and strength. With each song, she bared her soul to the audience, inviting them into her world of heartbreak, longing, and self-discovery.
Rodrigo was backed by a talented band that complemented her vocals that she interacted with throughout the night, creating a rich sonic tapestry that filled the venue with warmth and emotion.
At just 21 years old, Rodrigo has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and her performance in Columbus only solidified her status as a rising superstar. Olivia Rodrigo's live performances are not just concerts; they're powerful showcases of her raw talent, emotional depth, and unwavering authenticity. It was a good reminder of the power of music to connect us, to move us, and to inspire us.
Finally, it was time for the headliners, Static-X, to take the stage … almost. First, their eclectic "opener" begged the question, will metalheads sing along to "Sweet Caroline"? The answer is yes! One of the greatest aspects of witnessing a metal performance is that it is a safe place to express your love for music in all of its forms. You could hear the faint rumblings of those who knew all the lyrics, while the entire venue roared into Neil Diamond's famous chorus.
The Kills, an electrifying duo composed of Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince have not been to Columbus, OH since 2016. A Columbus radio station know as CD101, later CD102.5, and finally CD92.9 has held an, often bi-annual, showcase of indie and alternative music as far back as 2004. These discounted festivals would sell out and bring a handful of unpaid bands in for one night. The only money these artists would make was from merch sales. The independently-owned station has been riddled with challenges and as of February 1st, 2024 has ceased their terrestrial broadcast. They can still be streamed online, but the impact of the loss of their presence has local concert-goers uneasy. Will the lesser-known, up-and-coming, and even local touring musicians still find Columbus a welcoming, safe-haven stop on their tour worthwhile?
People think concert photographers are treated like VIP. We must tour with them. They probably know the band and are friends. We high five and muse over our love for the other’s work. In reality for this show, I drove 4 hours round trip to Cleveland on an unpaid assignment to photograph P¡nk for about 12 minutes. I spent hours editing the files, coming up with a write up, and publishing it online. P¡nk will never see any of this, although her publicist will be given a link to the review.
