Author: christagracephoto

Foster The People kicked off their Paradise State of Mind tour at The Paramount Theatre in Seattle, delivering a show that fused new tracks off their fourth studio album with nostalgic favorites they’ve been known for over the past decade. The evening started with British duo Good Neighbours, who are currently supporting the North American leg. Highlights from the set included their latest single “Ripple,” which marked its first live debut, and their viral song “Home,” effectively setting the tone for the night with their energetic stage presence and catchy live instrumentals. 

Opening with title track Paradise State of Mind, Foster The People kicked things off strong with their lively energy amidst a vibrant neon set design. Performing classic hits like “Helena Beat, “Sit Next to Me” and “Pumped Up Kicks,” the band performed their familiar indie pop, electronic and psychedelic rock genres while embracing the new record’s mix of disco, funk, gospel and jazz influences — beautifully underscoring the band’s evolving sound.

Frontman Mark Foster exuded a focused yet playful stage presence, constantly interacting with the crowd and dancing with a huge grin throughout the set. The band’s visuals and lighting design added an extra layer of depth to the performance, creating an immersive experience that left a lasting impression for both new fans and for those revisiting the soundtrack of their teenage years. 

The performance reaffirmed the band’s ability to push boundaries musically and creatively while staying true to the music that made them an indie household name. You can catch the rest of Foster The People’s Paradise State of Mind tour, as it continues across North America until early spring. More information can be found at fosterthepeople.com.

The start of summer solstice brought indie rock veterans Vampire Weekend to Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle — delivering a captivating performance that spanned their genre-bending discography. Kicking off the night with original members Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio, and Chris Tomson performing “Hold You Now” from 2019’s Father of the Bride, the trio filled the arena with excitement as they jammed beneath the glimmer of their spotlights, and a black curtain emblazoned with “Vampire Weekend” served as their backdrop.

Together, the three performed “Cousins” and “Holiday” from 2010’s Contra before transitioning to newer release “Ice Cream Piano” from the tour’s namesake album Only God Was Above Us. Reaching mid-song triggered the release of their curtain to reveal a gray and sepia-toned backdrop of a large futuristic cavern, matching the band’s monochromatic outfits. Joining them were additional touring members on keys, guitar, saxophone, strings and percussion, as well as an interpretive dancer to complement the ensemble. 

Playing fan-favorites like “Step,” “M79,” “Campus,” “Oxford Comma,” “Diane Young,” “A-Punk,” and concluding with “Hope,” the band returned to the stage for an encore and took audience requests for any non-Vampire Weekend songs to attempt. In what was warned as either “the best or worst part of the show” by Koenig, the results were chaotic and hilarious partial covers of Radiohead’s “Creep,” The Cure’s “Just like Heaven,” The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” and a rendition of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” — cut short by Koenig, who didn’t want to butcher the beloved song in front of the latter band’s hometown. Vampire Weekend’s energy was infectious and effervescent, with Koenig’s witty banter and charming stage presence winning over the entire crowd. 

As the show came to a close, the arena was drenched with hues of blue and gold as the band ended the night with a grand finale of “Walcott,” culminating a night filled with beautiful soundscapes, and a spectacular welcome to the summer season.

Fans across North America can catch Vampire Weekend’s Only God Was Above Us tour as it continues through October. More information on tickets and the rest of tour dates can be found on the band’s website.

Kentucky-based rock band Cage The Elephant brought their energetic performance to RV Style Resorts Inn Amphitheater in Ridgefield, WA on June 23. The night started off with a stellar supporting lineup consisting of Willow Avalon, Bakar and Young the Giant.

Kickstarting the night with a lively performance of “Broken Boy,” the energy was vibrant from the get-go as soon as the headliner took the stage. Known for their raw energy and blues-infused sound, Cage The Elephant treated the Portland-area crowd to a soulful and compelling show filled with production that featured stunning pyrotechnics, lasers, visuals and a set list that spanned their entire discography. They performed a blend of new and old songs from their latest album Neon Pill including the track “Rainbow” as well as fan favorites “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” “Trouble,” and “Cigarette Daydreams.” The crowd illuminated the amphitheater with lights during the encore, and Cage The Elephant ended the night with their classic hit “Come a Little Closer.”

The band’s energy was electric, and frontman Matt Shultz’s magnetic stage presence wasn’t complete without several of his signature stage jumps — captivating the crowd deeper with each engaging song. 

Fans across North America can catch the Neon Pill tour as it continues through the fall. More information on tickets and the rest of tour can be found on their website.