The Alienation Tour is one that came up on my radar last minute, but I’m glad it did. One-X was one of the first albums I had on CD that introduced me to a catalog of 2000s rock that we all know and love. Three Days Grace is one of those staples you can’t deny as a pillar of what rock music was in the early 2000s. I was excited to see how they’ve aged, and how they hold up with newer bands like I Prevail and The Funeral Portrait.

The Funeral Portrait came out with a sound that said “we’re here and we’re serious.” Tracks like “Suffocate City” and “Stay Weird” really showed their personable nature and effort to connect with the fans. Lee Jennings sounded great and shows his experience and drive as a frontman in every song. You can tell the guys in the band really do get along and that makes the show that much better. They also worked in songs like “Blood Mother” and “Generation Psycho,” keeping the energy consistent. They’re one of the more promising newer bands in the scene and I’m glad I caught them on this tour.

By the time I Prevail hit, the energy had shifted. This was almost a hometown show for them, with members having cut their teeth in Grand Rapids or across Michigan, making it that much more engaging for them to be direct support on an arena tour. Their set leaned into the heavier end of their catalog with songs like “Bow Down,” “Self-Destruction,” “Violent Nature,” “Into Hell,” and “Bad Things.” They also ran through “Hurricane” and “Gasoline,” which kept the arena moving. What was noticeable was how they handled the post-lead-singer era, seemingly coming out stronger than ever. Dylan’s clean vocals on songs that used to sound one way now have this rawness live. The cover of Metallica’s “Sad but True” was a great addition and they killed it. These guys aren’t slowing down any time soon.

Three Days Grace connected new and old fans. Singer Adam Gontier looked energetic and ready after joining the band again in 2024. The dynamic between him and co-vocalist Matt Walst is great and something that feels rare in heavier music. These two did each other justice and sounded great, adding layers to older songs that couldn’t be done with just one vocalist. They ran through staples like “Animal I Have Become,” “Break,” and “I Hate Everything About You,” along with “Pain” and “Never Too Late.” They also pulled a few tracks from their new album Alienation into the set, and those songs didn’t feel out of place next to the classics. To see this band still packing arenas and embracing a new dynamic makes me excited to see what they do in the future.

Their new album Alienation, featuring both Adam Gontier and Matt Walst as vocalists, is out now.

House of Blues

Boston, MA

Saturday January 17th, 2026

State Champs celebrated ten years of “Around the World and Back” on a cold, windy night in Boston. Accompanied by Broadside, Real Friends, and Cartel, the New York based pop punk pioneers brought the energy. The crowd, myself included, was eager to hear songs that had not been played live in years.

Broadside started the show off strong, playing through their catalog that spans over a decade long. Playing classics like “Coffee Talk” and newer tracks off their upcoming album “Nowhere, At Last,” there was something for everyone. 

Real Friends were up next. I was especially excited for this band as I listened to them a lot back in high school. They still bring the same energy they did ten years ago. Along with their old school tracks like “I’ve Given Up On You,” their new stuff goes hard too; “Waiting Room” off of their newest record “Blue Hour” was a highlight in the setlist. Their lead singer Cody jumped into the crowd for multiple songs which pumped the fans up even more. 

Cartel played their hearts out and had the crowd jumping throughout their set. With their immense energy, you never would have known this band released their first album back in 2005. Playing classics like “Say Anything (Else)” and “Honestly,” they gave the fans exactly what they wanted.

The time had come. State Champs took the stage and the crowd erupted. They played “Around the World and Back” in full for the first time ever. It was crazy to see the deep cuts played live, along with staples like “Secrets” and “All You Are Is History.” My personal favorites were toward the end of their first set. I never thought I’d hear “Tooth and Nail” and “Slow Burn” live. After playing the record in full, they played eight more hits right after, including fan favorites like “Common Sense” and “Elevated.” The band played for close to an hour and half and put on the performance of a lifetime for this Boston crowd. Fans could be spotted moshing, crowd surfing, and jumping around as the band played hit after hit. 

All of the bands on the ticket put on one heck of a show. It was a great night to listen to pop punk in New England. 

Central Michigan Falls to Northwestern in GameAbove Sports Bowl

Detroit, MI – Northwestern dominates Central Michigan as the home team away from home, as they win the GameAbove Sports Bowl 34-7.

Central Michigan started the game out strong, forcing a turnover on downs on the opening drive. But the miscues hovered above the Chippewas, as they turned the ball over four times during the game, three of which coming in the first half of the game.

The first quarter included both teams punting the ball back to each other several times. It wasn’t until midway through the second period, when quarterback Angel Flores threw an interception to Northwestern’s Braden Turner. This ultimately set up a touchdown grab from Griffin Wilde soon after, which put Northwestern up 7-0. The next drive for CMU resulted in a strip-sack on Flores, which was recovered by Northwestern on the very first play.

Northwestern, in great starting field position, scored another touchdown up the middle by Caleb Komolafe to extend their lead to 14-0. In a moment of deja vu, the following drive by CMU resulted in another fumble, recovered by Northwestern. On the very first play of the new drive for Northwestern, quarterback Preston Stone threw his second touchdown of the day to Lawson Albright. In a slow remainder of the quarter, the game went to halftime with a Northwestern lead of 21-0.

Central Michigan started the second half with possession, and to some fans’ surprise, another fumble by CMU, this time returned all the way by Braden Turner for a touchdown. Later in the quarter, Preston Stone tossed another touchdown to Griffin Wilde, to extend their lead to 34-0.

It would not be until the 6:11 mark in the fourth quarter, where CMU quarterback Joe Labas would throw a 3-yard out route to Brock Townsend to put the Chippewas on the board. Kalen Carroll intercepted Northwestern on the following drive, only for Central Michigan to fumble once again with less than 20 seconds left in the game.

Northwestern would go on to become victorious in the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit. This was the school’s sixth straight bowl game victory. Junior Wide Receiver Griffen Wilde was awarded the GameAbove Sports Bowl MVP after scoring two touchdowns on 10 catches for 97 yards. Northwestern hopes to carry this win into continued success going into the 2026 football season.

Game Above Sports Bowl 2025 – Josh Malone

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