On Friday, July 12th, 2024, the Idobi Radio Summer School tour stopped at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee for a night of pure energy and non-stop fun. The show was headlined by Magnolia Park, Stand Atlantic, Scene Queen, and the Home Team, with support from Honey Revenge and Letdown. With a bigger lineup than most shows, it was imperative that each band keep the crowd entertained for the five-hour show, and they all did just that.
The first to perform was the alternative band Letdown, and despite their name, their set was anything but a letdown. Lead by singer and songwriter Blake Coddington, with drums from touring drummer Austin Armstrong, guitar from touring guitarist Dominic Frissora, and bass from Letdown’s touring bassist, the band put on an energetic performance that was the perfect start to The Summer School tour. Even though the crowd was still filtering in towards the beginning of the set, those who were present were immediately engaged by the music and could be found headbanging along to the catchy beats. Letdown played a total of six songs, and by the time they were finished, the crowd was hyped up and ready for more.
Blake Coddington – Vocals
Set List:
1). Karma
2). Raincoat
3). Love is a Weapon
4). Crying in the Shower
5). Hate Myself
6). Go to Hell
Next to the stage was Honey Revenge, a pop-rock duo from Los Angeles, CA–a personal favorite of mine. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them live several times now, and they always exceed my expectations with a dynamic set that never fails to bring a room to life. They opened with their newest single “Recipe for Disaster,” which had the crowd dancing along as vocalist Devin Papadol, guitarist Donny Lloyd, and touring bassist Tay jumped and ran across the stage, making use of the entire space. The crowd interactions during Honey Revenge’s set were especially entertaining. Donny Lloyd could usually be found grinning and gesturing playfully at audience members, while Devin Papadol decided to climb over the barricade and join the crowd during “Worst Apology.” Their eight-song set was one of non-stop energy.
Devin Papadol – Vocals
Donovan Lloyd – Guitar
Set List:
1). Recipe for Disaster
2). Seeing Negative
3). Habitual
4). Worst Apology
5). Distracted
6). Rerun
7). Are You Impressed
8). Airhead
The first of the four headliners to play was The Home Team, a pop-punk band from Seattle, WA. Before their set began, staff members passed out glow wands to the crowd, and before I knew it, the whole room was lit up with multi-colored flashing lights that everyone waved around as the band’s first song started playing. It was instantly clear that The Home Team’s set would be filled with fun antics, considering that as they came onstage, the band carried giant cutouts of their faces, and a giant costumed elephant and bear danced around the stage. This playful energy continued through their eleven-song set. With a combination of catchy beats the crowd jumped along to, and glow wands lighting up the room, it felt like one giant dance party. In fact, guitarist John Baran and bassist Ryne Olson busted out their own dance moves, much to the crowd’s delight. They aptly closed out their performance with the song “Loud,” which the room soon became as they cheered for The Home Team to keep playing.
Brian Butcher – Vocals
John Baran – Guitar
Ryne Olson – Bass
Daniel Matson – Drums
Set List:
1). Brag
2). Right Through Me
3). Love & Co.
4). Slow Bloom
5). Turn You Off
6). Hell
7). Roommates
8). Overtime
9). Move It or Lose It
10). Watching All Your Friends Get Rich
11). LOUD
Next up was crowd favorite, Scene Queen, a bimbocore artist and her touring musicians, Jonathon Schwartz on drums, and Boyhero on guitar. Scene Queen is known for her pink outfits, boots, and cowboy hat that she wears during her country song “MILF,” and many in the crowd were dressed up just like this. While this isn’t the type of music I usually listen to, it was certainly entertaining, and the crowd had a blast. Throughout her set, they were always moving, dancing, and singing along to the songs, while others held up signs showing their love for the artist. A consistent theme during Scene Queen’s performance was female empowerment, where she challenged conventions and celebrated living authentically as yourself. It was especially touching and exciting to see all of the women in the crowd having the absolute time of their lives. An entertaining performance combined with lighthearted banter between the artist and the crowd made Scene Queen’s set one to be remembered.
Hannah Rose Collins – Vocals
Set List:
1). Pink Push-Up Bra
2). 18+
3). Whips and Chains
4). Pink Paper
5). MILF
6). Pink G-String
7). Finger
8). Climax
9). Barbie & Ken
10). Pink Panther
11). Pink Rover
With only two more bands left to play, Stand Atlantic, a pop punk band from Sydney, Australia, took to the stage in a storm of energy. Vocalist Bonnie Fraser’s powerful vocals were immediately captivating, while guitarist David Potter’s crisp playing was enhanced by his theatrical spins, guitar flying in the air. I hadn’t listened to much of Stand Atlantic before, but I certainly will after witnessing how cohesive they are as a group, in addition to their high-energy performance. Even though the show was going on for four hours at this point, the crowd was still completely engaged. When Bonnie Fraser told everyone to get down, the entire room knelt down, anticipation buzzing around as they awaited her instructions. The music, which had quieted down at this point, began to slowly increase in tempo, until finally, it reached a climax, and Bonnie shouted for everyone to jump. As one, the crowd got to their feet, jumping up and down to the heavy beat. Towards the end of their set, David Potter leaped into the crowd, where he continued to play his instrument as a circle pit formed around him. Moments like these, combined with the magnetic music, and high energy from all the band members made for an incredible set.
Bonnie Fraser – Vocals / Rhythm Guitar
David Potter – Guitar
Jonno Panichi – Drums
Miki Rich – Bass
Set List:
1). Warzone
2). Jurassic Park
3). Hair Out
4). Girl$
5). Kill[h]er
6). Lavender Bones
7). Hate Me (Sometimes)
8). Love U Anyway
9). Pity Party
10). Criminal
11). Deathwish
12). Coffee at Midnight
At last, the time had come for the night’s final headliner, Magnolia Park, an alternative rock band from Orlando, FL. While it seemed like the audience had been tired during the short wait, the moment the five-piece hit the stage, the crowd bounced right back, singing, headbanging, and jumping around to the pop-punk-infused beats of the opening song, “Sick.” Magnolia Park’s stage presence was nothing short of electric, as each member made use of every inch of the stage, running and jumping around as they played their instruments. And even though drummer Joe Horsham was contained to his drumkit, his dynamic playing did not go unnoticed as he threw his arms in the air between beats, his passion evident. This was my first time seeing Magnolia Park live, but I’d heard over and over again about how they put on such an exciting stage show that can’t be missed. Indeed, they are not one to be missed, with their contagious energy making it impossible to stand still. Before their second to last song, vocalist Joshua Roberts asked if they could slow it down for a minute, promising the crowd would “love this one.” Much to everyone’s delight, they played the song “Unholy Heart,” which features Honey Revenge on the record. Devin Papadol came out during the second chorus, infusing the crowd with even more enthusiasm. And when Magnolia Park closed with “Feel Something,” Joshua Roberts encouraged the crowd to start a conga line, which they happily obliged. Soon enough, the entire room turned into one giant line of dancing people, smiling wide.
Overall, the Idobi Radio Summer School was a resounding success. It celebrated the spirit of live music and community, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. All six bands put on unforgettable and engaging performances. They were all unique in their own way, yet they complimented each other so well.
If you have the chance to catch The Summer School Tour, be sure you do! It’s one you won’t want to miss.
Joshua Roberts – Vocals
Tristan Torres – Guitar
Freddie Criales – Guitar
Joe Horsham – Drums
Vincent Ernst – Keyboards
Set List:
1). Misfits
2). Do Or Die
3). The Void
4). Addison Rae
5). 10 For 10
6). Shallow
7). Animal
8). Unholy Heart
9). Feel Something
I’ve always been the creative type, but nothing quite beats how it felt the first time I picked up a camera. Once I photographed my first concert, I knew I had found my passion. As an avid concert-goer, getting to combine my love of music with my love of photography is like a dream come true!