In 2022, The Band Camino teased a song titled “Afterthought” on their social media. It took like a wildfire quickly growing a loyal fanbase of its own. Everytime they’ve released new music since it’s been met with a call for the release of the song. Finally that call was answered and after 3 years of waiting fans finally got to hear “Afterthought”. Hot off the release of that single, let’s take a look back at the most energetic and fun filled night that Utah has seen in a while. To Utah, every Band Camino show feels like a hometown show, the energy, the excitement and the singing at the top of your lungs type of energy emanates the room as fans soak in every moment.

If there is one thing I know for certain, it’s that Salt Lake City, Utah loves the Band Camino. Every time they’ve graced the stage in Utah it’s met with nothing but love and excitement in return. As I waited in line before their Never Always Tour stop in Salt Lake, I chatted with another girl in line. We shared stories of the different times we had been to their shows throughout the year and she mentioned that she went and saw them at the Delta Center when they opened for Dan and Shay. She laughed while telling me that she didn’t even like Dan and Shay that much, she just wanted to see The Band Camino.

This tour marks the fifth time I have seen them live over the course of three years. The thing with the Band Camino is they do the best job of any artist, at staying true to their roots and image, while still being able to create a new and engaging set each tour. This tour was no different, with a diverse setlist, it was a great time for the oldest of fans to the newest.

In an interesting twist they kicked off their set with the classic “Daphne Blue”. Traditionally they usually end with this song. Instead they went all out from the start, with blue confetti and everything. They then played a variety of songs, including songs like; “I Think I Like You”, “Know Me”, and then my personal favorite from their latest album “Baggy Jeans”.

Half-way through the set they switched it up for a short 3 song acoustic set. I LOVED this set up. The band, consisting of Jeffery Jordan and Spencer Stewart who both sing and play guitar, and Garrison Burgess who plays the drums, all came out and sat on stools in a semi circle facing the crowd. The lights dimmed and it felt as though we were all participating in an intimate living room concert. You know, the ones that all music fans dream of having with their favorite artists. What I specifically loved about this was that it allowed maybe newer fans, or people listening to them for the first time to really hear their voices in an unobstructed way. Spencer sang “Damage” and a cover of Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” and Jeffery sang “Hates Me Yet (222)”. If this set told me anything, it’s that I think it’s vital that the Band Camino releases an acoustic album or EP someday. 

After the acoustic set they flipped back to full production with Karaoke. The night continued and the energy only continued to grow. By the time we got to “Haunted” , a song from their first EP it felt like the energy would push the roof off the building. It was crazy, after that song Jeffery told the crowd how every tour that song just builds and builds, it gets better and more fun to play each time. He also shared how they don’t have one song that out streams another, all of their songs are pretty equally streamed. In my opinion, it speaks to the consistency of their music and talent as a band.

As it happens with shows, they all, unfortunately, must come to an end. They played their ever popular “See Through” song before leaving the stage. The cheers to get them back on were deafening, in a good way of course. When they finally returned on stage they played a final two songs 12:34 which was released a few days before the concert. This was fun as they initiated good crowd involvement by breaking the crowd up into groups and competing with each other and then they ended with a personal favorite of mine from their first EP “What I Want”. I need to take a moment to talk about how epic this finale was. The lighting was amazing. They went with a white backlight that was super strong, I am not totally sure, but it felt like the lighting got stronger and stronger as the song went on, matching the sound and vibe of the song until the finale when it was the strongest. As I mentioned at the beginning, their choice of song for their finale was different than years past and I don’t think they could have done any better with the change. While Daphne Blue has an iconicness to it, this finale was truly cinematic. 

While there is always a bittersweetness that comes with going to a concert. Sweet because you get to see your favorite artists, bitter because it will likely be a while before you see them again. The Band Camino can be sure that Salt Lake City will always be there to welcome them with a large crowd, massive sing-alongs and loud cheering. Whatever the timeline, Utah is anxiously awaiting their return.

Wyandotte, MI — December 5, 2025 — Josh Malone

Drake White returned to Michigan with a full force of charisma and country-soul energy as his Keep It Movin’ Tour rolled into District 142 on Friday night. White delivered a performance that showcased both his rugged vocal power and his unmistakable authenticity.

The evening kicked off with an impressive set from rising Nashville trio, The Woods, whose warm harmonies and organic sound immediately set the tone. Their blend of roots-driven songwriting and polished musicianship earned early cheers and served as an ideal lead-in for the Alabama-born headliner.

When the lights dropped and Drake White took the stage, he wasted no time diving straight into heart and heritage. He opened with “Grandpa’s Farm,” a crowd-pleasing choice that instantly lit up the room. White’s stage presence was electric from the first note, smiling wide, and engaging the audience with the kind of easy, natural charm that has become his signature.

From there, he kept momentum high with a dynamic blend of fan favorites and reflective deep cuts. “Mix ‘Em With Whiskey” brought a rowdy, rollicking energy that had fans yelling every word, while “Wildflower” showcased White’s tender, soulful side. His ability to effortlessly shift between fiery grit and smooth, heartfelt warmth is a big part of what makes his live shows so deeply resonant.

The highlight of the night, though, was undoubtedly “Makin’ Me Look Good Again.” As the first chords played, the place cheered, couples pulling each other close, voices rising to meet White’s soulful growl. The performance was raw and powerful, with White pouring everything he had into the song that remains his signature song. It served as a reminder of both his vocal prowess and his deep emotional storytelling.

Throughout the evening, White embodied the spirit of his tour’s name, constantly moving, constantly uplifting, constantly engaging. By the time he wrapped his set, District 142 felt less like a concert venue and more like a community, bound together by shared energy and White’s undeniable connection with his fans.

With the Keep It Movin’ Tour wrapping up, Drake White continues to prove that he’s far more than just a talented vocalist, he’s a showman, a storyteller, and a force of positivity who leaves every room brighter than he found it. Wyandotte got the full experience, and it’s safe to say the city won’t forget it anytime soon.

Drake White has three remaining shows on the Keep It Movin” Tour, including the final two in his home state of Alabama. But I am sure this will not be the last time we see White, as his upbringing in this industry is just beginning.

Drake White Photo Gallery

The Woods Photo Gallery

By Kyle Muha

Neal Francis, Chicago’s own, capped off his biggest show yet at The Salt Shed on Saturday night—and he made every moment count.

The hometown performance spared no expense, bringing his music to life with a full 20-piece ensemble that filled the room with electric, infectious energy. Fans who came looking for an unforgettable night definitely got it.

Part of what makes Neal Francis so compelling is his seamless fusion of ’70s rock-and-roll with the dance-driven sounds of disco, soul, funk, and jazz. It’s a melting pot of high-energy grooves that practically force you to move. On Saturday, every song had its chance to shine, with extended jams stretching eight to fifteen minutes and giving each section of the ensemble room to showcase their talent.

Across a 90-minute set, Francis guided the crowd through a fully curated musical journey. The pacing felt intentional—moments to breathe, moments that soared, and a steady flow of energy that never slipped.

If the true test of a great concert is how well the studio sound translates live, Neal Francis passed with flying colors.

Neal Francis Photo Gallery

Portugal. The Man –A Benefit for Beyond Hunger

Salt Shed, Chicago IL

November 22, 20255

Photos and recap by Roman Sobus

During these difficult times, it warms the heart to see artists do something more than just complain on social media. Portugal. The Man brought their tour to Chicago’s Salt Shed determined to make a difference in the lives of Chicago’s most needy residents. Collaborating with Beyond Hunger, a local non for profit supplementing the nutritional needs of residents of the city’s West side.

A near capacity crowd was treated to more than two dozen selections from the band’s catalog, including older favorites as well as material from their new album.

In fact, the first part of the performance consisted entirely of music from the newly released Shish album and it was well received by fans in attendance. Only “Tanana” was not in the early rotation but they performed it during the encore at the end of the evening.  The second part of their set reached deeper into the catalog. ”Creep in a T-Shirt” and “Modern Jesus” hit a spark with the crowd, as did “Live in the Moment” and “Feel it Still”.

In addition to the music, there were opportunities to bid on a signed guitar and PTM merchandise!

Opening the evening were Seattle indie rockers La Luz. This all-girl band is worthy of a follow. Consider adding them to you watch list. They do not disappoint!

To donate to Beyond Hunger: https://www.goeyondhunger.org

Setlist

The Living Fire vs Anti-Reality – vid

Denali

Pitman Ralliers

Angoon

Knik

Shish

Mush

Tyonek

Kokhanockers

Got It All 

Head Is a Flame

Senseless

Chicago

Number 1

Live In The Moment

Feel It Still

What, Me Worry?

Dummy

Glide

Purple Yellow Red and Blue

So Young

Creep in a T-Shirt

Modern Jesus

Noise Pollution

Encore-

Tanana

Father Gun

DNA – vid

Portgual, The Man Photo Gallery

La Luz Photo Gallery

By Kyle Muha

Big Gigantic made their return to Chicago’s Salt Shed on Saturday night, 11/15/25 — this time bringing a fresh new album with them. Fluorescence, the duo’s 9th studio release that dropped back in June, finally got its moment in Chicago as fans heard songs from the project live for the first time.

Longtime Big Gigantic listeners — especially fans of the early 2010s electro-funk wave — were treated to a classic Big G experience. The new Fluorescence material hit perfectly in the set, blending seamlessly with fan-favorite tracks from eras like Brighter Future and The Night Is Young. The blend of funky grooves, glitchy hip-hop energy, and the unmistakable live-instrument twist reminded everyone what made that era of electro-funk so special.

Dom (Dominic Lalli) delivered signature moments all night with his saxophone lines cutting through the mix at all the right times, adding warmth and character to the set’s bouncier sections. Meanwhile, Jeremy Salken held down the groove on drums, giving the show that extra live punch that separates Big Gigantic’s performances from a typical electronic set.

And it wasn’t just the music that hit: the production was dialed all the way in. Lights and lasers synced perfectly with the flow of the show, elevating the energy in all the right moments and rounding out the full Big Gigantic experience.

Fans still have a couple more chances to catch this run, with upcoming dates in Jacksonville on 11/21 and Washington D.C. on 11/22.

Big Gigantic Photo Gallery

By Kyle Muha

It had been six years since Of Monsters and Men last put out a full-length album of new music. Their latest release, All is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade, dropped on October 17th and brings back the signature sound and energy that’s kept fans hooked since the band first formed 14 years ago.

On Thursday night, The Mouse Parade tour made its stop at Chicago’s beloved Salt Shed, and fans got exactly what they were hoping for. The band played nine out of the album’s thirteen tracks, giving the crowd a real taste of the new record live for the first time. They also mixed in favorites from across their discography, making sure longtime fans got plenty of nostalgic moments too.

One of the standout parts of the night came during a stripped-down acoustic version of “Mouse Parade,” with the band huddled around a single mic. It was one of those moments that just felt special — the kind fans will remember for a long time. Of Monsters and Men nailed the balance between fresh material and old favorites, making it clear why their music continues to stick with people after all these years.

Of Monsters And Men Photo Gallery