Neon Trees performing at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, GA on April 2, 2025. All photos taken by Chandler Bunzol.
Mind's Eye | Pomona
Mind’s Eye performing at The Glass House in Pomona, CA on April 2, 2025. All photos taken by Samantha Wong.
Caroline Kingsbury | Orlando
Caroline Kingsbury performing at The Social in Orlando, FL on March 30, 2025. All photos taken by April Anderson.
Rebecca Black | Philadelphia
Rebecca Black performing at Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA on March 29, 2025. All photos taken by AnnaMarie Otor.
Parlour Magic + Late Again | Brooklyn
Late Again and Parlour Magic performing at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn, NY on March 28, 2025. All photos taken by Inés Valencia.
Cameron Whitcomb | New York City
Cameron Whitcomb (with support from Ava Maybee) performing at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City on March 28, 2025. All photos taken by Betsy Brody.
Skegss | Tampa
Skegss (with support from Twen) performing at The Ritz Ybor in Tampa, FL on March 26, 2025. All photos taken by April Anderson.
Rio Romeo | Brooklyn
Rio Romeo performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on March 26, 2025. All photos taken by Olive Jolley.
ZZ Top | Tifton
ZZ Top performing at John Hunt Auditorium in Tifton, GA on March 26, 2025. All photos taken by Christoph Vega.
DWLLRS | Los Angeles
DWLLRS performing at The Echo in Los Angeles, CA on March 21, 2025. All photos taken by Samantha Wong.
Spencer Sutherland | New York City
The Drama, The Throne, The Dream: Spencer Sutherland’s Royal Night at Irving Plaza
Spencer Sutherland turned Irving Plaza into his own personal kingdom with The Drama tour. Opening with “Welcome to the Show,” the first track off his latest album, he immediately drew the crowd into his world — a place where Spencer Sutherland is wholly and unapologetically himself in the most vivacious and captivating way.
His stage presence was unreal — a whirlwind of jumps, kicks, and unrestrained emotion and contagious energy that enveloped Irving Plaza. A massive throne stood upstage, a nod to the dramatic theme of the tour, and Sutherland to enhance the fun, witty theatrics of the night. Jumping straight into the high-energy hit “Alive,” he had the entire crowd hyped, setting the tone for a night full of energy, emotion, and — fittingly — drama.
One of the evening’s most touching moments came after he performed “Melanie,” the first slower song of the set. As the final note faded, Sutherland took a breath, gazing out at the crowd with tears glimmering in his eyes. It was evident he was getting emotional, almost like it hit him that he’s no longer just a guy with a guitar trying to make it. Now, he’s standing in front of a packed New York City crowd, hearing them sing his lyrics back to him. It was an “I made it” moment — the kind of raw, unfiltered emotion that defines a true artist. There he stood, just him and his guitar, reflecting on how far he had come, with an entire NYC audience hanging on every word. It was real, it was raw, and honestly, it was breathtaking to witness.
Then, in true Spencer Sutherland fashion, he flipped the energy right back. Disappearing from the stage, he suddenly reappeared in the balcony, surprising everyone in the pit. From there, he sang “Modern Heartbreak,” —a personal favorite of mine— milking the drama with extra vocal runs before joking, “Well, this is The Drama tour,” like the self-aware king he is.
The night was full of surprises, including an unexpected yet explosive cover of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” which sent the crowd into a frenzy. In between songs, Sutherland kept expressing his love for New York, promising to come back every tour, and even jokingly thanked the crowd for choosing his show over “Jonas-con” happening the same day. After witnessing the genuine connection he had with the NYC audience, I believe it.
Spencer Sutherland didn’t just meet expectations — he shattered them. I already adored his music, but every song felt bigger, bolder, and more dynamic live. “Put Your Money on Me” became an instant new favorite. I heard it on the record when he released it, but watching it live gave it an entirely different energy.
Spencer Sutherland is an artist with superstar quality — a distinctive voice, a magnetic presence, and an unapologetic sense of self. He has a clear, confident artistic identity, and it’s easy to see why he’s on a rapid rise. I left Irving Plaza not just as a fan of his music but as a fan of the artist he is becoming. Wherever his journey takes him next, one thing is for sure — his New York fans, myself included, will be eagerly waiting.
Words and photos by Jessie Eshak
Last Dinosaurs | Philadelphia
Last Dinosaurs performing at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA on March 21, 2025. All photos taken by AnnaMarie Otor.
Pom Pom Squad | Dallas
Pom Pom Squad performing at Club Dada in Dallas, TX on March 23, 2025. All photos taken by Maia Tharp.
Mac Ayres | Seattle
Mac Ayres performing at The Crocodile in Seattle, WA on March 9, 2025. All photos taken by Christa Yaranon.
Fana Hues | Brooklyn
Fana Hues performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on March 19, 2025. All photos taken by Brandon Lu.
The Orphan The Poet | Philadelphia
The Orphan The Poet performing at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, PA on February 28, 2025. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.
K.Flay | Atlanta
K.Flay performing at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA on March 19, 2025. All photos taken by Joanna Barronton.
Yot Club | El Paso
Yot Club performing at Lowbrow Palace in El Paso, TX on March 17, 2025. All photos taken by Isaac Nunez.
Killswitch Engage | Vancouver
Killswitch Engage (with support from Kublai Khan TX and Fit For A King) performing at Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC on March 19, 2025. All photos taken by Emma-Jane Dotchuk.
Ratboys | New York City
Ratboys performing at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City on March 12, 2025. All photos taken by Emily Teubner.