Time to break out those checkered vans, skinny jeans, and side-swept hair as emo fans united for the alternative music festival “Is For Lovers.” This festival is an inclusive haven featuring a wide variety of bands from all walks of life, making its way through the United States with West Virginia as an included stop. Hosted by the platinum-selling emo legends Hawthorne Heights, the festival’s lineup was carefully curated by the band themselves. Held at the Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, West Virginia, on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, the event boasted two stages: Casey’s Stage, which was the main stage, and Beatz Stage which showcased regional acts. With the Charleston Coliseum on the rise, hosting more and more major acts, it was heartening to see these bands bring their music to the mountain state. By 3 PM, 900 of the 1500 attendees were already in attendance, ready for a day of music and nostalgia.
A Story Told (1:00 PM, Casey Stage)
Charleston, West Virginia natives A Story Told kicked off the event at 1 PM, bringing their upbeat sounds to get everyone amped up for the day. The band shared their pride in being from West Virginia, humorously noting how it often gets mistaken for Virginia while on tour. They opened up about writing songs based on pain and suffering, highlighting the joy of crafting positive tracks like “How Do You Write a Love Song.” Their energetic performance set the perfect tone for the festival.
A Story Told Members:
Alex Chaney – Vocals
Josh Allen – Guitar
Jason Lieser – Guitar
Zack Holley – Bass
Casey Hardman – Drums
This Wild Life (2:00 PM, Casey Stage)
Acoustic duo This Wild Life brought their soft vocals and mellow tunes to the stage for the first time in West Virginia, expressing their honor to be there. They kept the crowd laughing throughout their set with their witty banter and prescription-strength emo songs, often compared to a discount version of Dashboard Confessional or Kirkland City and Colour. A highlight was their cover of “Cute Without the E” by Taking Back Sunday, which had the audience singing along. They even involved the crowd in a ukulele-backed rendition of “Country Roads,” paying homage to the host state.
This Wild Life Members:
Kevin Jordan – Vocals/ Guitar
Anthony Del Grosso – Guitar
Emery (3:00 PM, Casey Stage)
Emery’s set was marked by high energy, despite the singer’s late arrival, which he humorously attributed to being 48. The drummer’s missed first beat led to playful banter and audience participation in booing, creating a lighthearted atmosphere. As part of their “Tears for 20 Years” tour, they shared the challenges of being on the road with 14 kids among the band members but emphasized how the fans’ love makes it all worthwhile. Their performance was a testament to their enduring passion for music.
Emery Members:
Toby Morrell — Lead Vocals
Devin Shelton — Bass, Vocals
Josh Head — Keyboards, Synthesizer, Vocals
Matt Carter — Lead Guitar, Vocals
Dave Powell — drums, percussion
Chris Keene — Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Armor For Sleep (4:00 PM, Casey Stage)
Alternative rockers Armor For Sleep played with raw emotion, delving into themes of apocalypse and love with songs like “In This Nightmare Together.” They expressed their gratitude for playing alongside such a stellar lineup and the crowd reciprocated by singing in unison during their closing track, “Car Underwater.” The emotional depth of their performance left a lasting impact on the audience.
Armor For Sleep Members:
Ben Jorgensen – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Piano
PJ DeCicco – Lead Guitar
Anthony DiIonno – Bass, Vocals
Nash Breen – Drums, Percussion
Anberlin (5:00 PM, Casey Stage)
Anberlin kept the energy high with their alternative indie sound. With Memphis May Fire’s vocalist Matty Mullins now singing for the band, they delivered a memorable set highlighted by the crowd favorite “Paperthin Hymn,” bathed in hues of pink light. Mullins also remarked on the lack of shows in the state, insisting that West Virginia deserved more. The band closed with “The Feel Good Drag,” which had everyone moving and singing along, cementing their place as a festival highlight.
Anberlin Members:
Matty Mullins – Vocals
Joseph Milligan – Lead Guitar, Vocals
Deon Rexroat – Bass
Nathan Young – Drums
Christian McAlhaney – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Thursday (6:15 PM, Casey Stage)
Thursday’s set was a powerful mix of music and advocacy, as they spoke about human rights before launching into “Singles Only.” Celebrating one of their guitarist’s birthdays and the singer’s six years of sobriety, the band connected deeply with the crowd. The performance of “Understanding In A Car Crash” ignited a wave of excitement, showcasing Thursday’s enduring influence and commitment to its message.
Thursday Members:
Geoff Rickly – Lead Vocals
Tom Keeley – Lead Guitar/ Vocals
Tim Payne – Bass
Tucker Rule – Drums
Steve Pedulla – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Setlist:
1. For the Workforce, Drowning
2. Cross Out the Eyes
3. Signals Over the Air
4. Standing on the Edge of Summer
5. Fast to the End
6. Application for Release From the Dream
7. Running From the Rain
8. Understanding in a Car Crash
9. War All the Time
Hawthorne Heights (7:30 PM, Casey Stage)
Hawthorne Heights, the hosts of the festival, delivered a heartfelt and nostalgic set, dedicating multiple songs to the lead singer’s home state. When performing “Niki FM,” lead singer J.T. Woodruff reminisced about growing up in St. Mary’s, WV, and discovering emo music. He encouraged the crowd to embrace their creative spark and support each other through tough times, sharing personal stories of his first experiences with dyed hair and Hot Topic in West Virginia. The poignant “Gold Econoline” saw a sea of phone flashlights raised in memory of lost loved ones, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere.
The band emphasized positive messages about believing in each other, stating that when they cry, they cry together. The stage, adorned with vertical lights changing colors, provided a vibrant backdrop to their performance. A mix of humor and sincerity permeated their set, with Woodruff jokingly reminding the audience that although their hit song is called “Ohio is for Lovers,” West Virginia is also truly for lovers. This sense of belonging and pride resonated deeply with the crowd, making their performance a highlight of the festival.
Hawthorne Heights Members:
JT Woodruff – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Piano, Keyboards
Matt Ridenour – Bass, Vocals
Mark McMillon – Lead Guitar
Chris Popadak – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Underoath (9:00 PM Casey Stage)
Underoath closed the festival with an electrifying set filled with intense buildups and melodic choruses, exemplified in songs like “Reinventing Your Exit.” The band’s dynamic stage presence ensured every section of the crowd felt seen and appreciated. Drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie’s ability to perform complex drum patterns while singing was particularly impressive, showcasing their technical prowess.
Their raw intensity and emotional delivery captivated the audience, with the singer Spencer Chamberlain frequently moving around the stage to engage with fans. An intimate moment with Chamberlain at the barricade underscored their deep connection with their followers, making everyone feel a part of the performance. Underoath’s set was the ideal culmination of an unforgettable evening of nostalgia and emo anthems, leaving the crowd buzzing with energy and emotion.
Underoath’s performance was the perfect ending to what was an incredible evening of nostalgia. Almost every band expressed their love for the state of West Virginia and their deepest appreciation for the fans in attendance. It was a beautiful day of fans coming together for their love of music and the emo genre, proving that sometimes, it’s not just a phase, and the enthusiasm remains as vibrant as ever.
Underoath Members:
Spencer Chamberlain – Vocals
Aaron Gillespie – Drums, Vocals
Timothy McTague – Guitar, Vocals
Grant Brandell – Bass
Christopher Dudley – Keyboards, Programming
Setlist:
1. Young and Aspiring
2. A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White
3. The Impact of Reason
4. Reinventing Your Exit
5. It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door
6. Down, Set, Go
7. I Don’t Feel Very Receptive Today
8. I’m Content With Losing
9. Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape (Aaron Gillespie acoustic with Tim McTague)
10. In Regards to Myself
11. Take a Breath
12. Breathing in a New Mentality
13. Hallelujah
14. Writing on the Walls
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I have nearly two decades of experience as a concert photographer. Outside of my work behind the camera, I’m a dedicated live music enthusiast, striving to attend as many concerts as possible. My true passion lies in capturing the raw emotion and energy that musicians bring to the stage. Whether it’s a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse, an intimate acoustic set, or an epic festival, I’m always ready to seize the opportunity to document the magic of live music.
