Photographs and Review by Christa Rae Settle
As the lights dimmed, the sold out crowd roared with excitement for Imagine Dragons to take the stage. One of the only lights on in the venue was where the band was prepping to step on stage within the next few moments. Fans to the right of the stage could see the band huddled together taking part in their pre-show routine. Then as band members took the stage in nearly pitch blackness, the roaring of the crowd got louder and louder. The stage was set with a circular screen in the back which would later display the band’s name as well as videos. Lights hung from tree-like decorations, and of course, one of the two giant drums, that are key elements in Imagine Dragon’s music, was center stage. Lead singer Dan Reynolds took the stage, grabbed his microphone and percussion mallet. As the venue filled with lights streaming from the stage, their 60 minute set began. Each member of Imagine Dragons brought a high level of energy, especially Dan who jumped, danced, and beat on an array of drums. Dan Reynolds (vocals, drums), Ben McKee (bass, backing vocals), Wayne Sermon (guitar, backing vocals), and Daniel Platzman (drums, backing vocals) are Imagine Dragons. Their set contained hits from their recent studio album “Night Visions” which is also their tour title.
Imagine Dragons setlist:
- Intro
- Round & Round
- Amsterdam
- Tip Toe
- Hear Me
- Cha-Ching
- Rocks
- Radioactive
- 30 Lives
- Bleeding Out
- Demons
- Underdog
- On Top Of The World
- It’s Time
- Nothing Left To Say (Encore)
One of the greatest things to witness in the music industry is the rapid success of a band. When Atlas Genius was in Baltimore back in October it was as if they were introducing themselves and their music to the majority of the crowd. But just four months later, the crowd knows Atlas Genius and the lyrics to their songs. Fans screamed things like “Keith, I love you!” and “This is awesome!” during their set. There is no doubting that this Australian indie rock band is becoming very popular in the United States. The members of Atlas Genius took the stage looking very dapper in suits. Lead singer Keith Jeffery interacted with fans frequently throughout the set. Towards the end, Keith drove the fans crazy when he jumped down into the pit and leaned into the crowd with his guitar. Atlas Genius’ set contained hits from their first studio album “When It Was Now” which had just been released three days earlier. After the show, Atlas Genius was swarmed by fans at their meet and greet.
Atlas Genius setlist:
- Symptoms
- On A Day
- All These Girls
- If So
- Centered On You
- Back Seat
- Don’t Make A Scene
- Electric
- Through The Glass
- Trojans
American alternative rock band Nico Vega opened the show with a performance of high energy. Like Imagine Dragons, this band had an array of percussion instruments on stage. Aja Volkman (vocals), Rich Koehler (guitar), Dan Epand (drums), and Jamila Weaver (bass) comprise Nico Vega. Lead singer Aja started their set by sitting down at the drums, starting a beat, and singing into the microphone. Those not familiar with the band were fooled into thinking she was the drummer and were surprised when Dan took the drum throne, and Aja took center stage. Aja’s singing voice is unique and powerful; it very much resembles a spiky Janis Joplin. On stage were two 55 gallon closed top steel drums on which Aja stood while singing. Painted on the steel drums was the band’s name among drawings of ghost-like creatures. Nico Vega’s set list contained songs from their recent EP “Fury Oh Fury” including “Beast,” “Lightning,” and more!
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