For the second time this year, Arizona’s Lydia came into Denver and filled a venue with moody yet catchy tunes to sing along to. It all began with lead singer Leighton Antelman introducing the band by name and quickly professing the need for everyone in the room to sing along with him the whole night. Their set that featured barefooted dancing from each member made sure to incorporate a well-rounded trip through their discography. Playing more recent hits like Riverman & When It Gets Dark Out as well as even opening the show with a throwback from 2008 in Hospital. Lydia never failed to mention how grateful they were to be headlining Bluebird Theatre. Constantly referring to the growth they’ve had over the years and judging from the amount of singing within the crowd it was apparent fans were just as appreciative.

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This feeling of gratitude was not only expressed by Lydia. Jared Kolesar of Jared & The Mill’s voice broke when giving a brief yet powerful speech about how honored he’d felt to be playing in this particular venue. Mentioning that they’d spent time playing to only a small crowd and a bartender many nights. Eventually concluding with a note on the positivity in the room that night and challenged everyone to carry it with them after they left. While these words were a joy to hear from him it was almost unnecessary in watching the energy each member possessed on stage.

Lastly, let me not forget the guys in Cherry pools. While there wasn’t as much crowd involvement for their set, the visual aspect of their stage presence was enough to keep anyone’s attention. A glowing neon sign, a front man who is just as talented as he is stylish, and a group of other talented musicians keeping everything afloat is well beyond enough to warm everyone up for the night ahead.

Lydia.Jared & The Mill.Cherry Pools. Bluebird Theatre. 8.21.18 Written/shot by: Jalen Lomax