The line outside of The Blind Pig, in the college town of Ann Arbor, on Sunday evening was around the block almost an hour before doors opened for what was about to be an incredibly fun evening. On the lineup to support Friday Pilots Club were Long Beach, NY, natives and indie-alt-rock band Family Dinner, as well as Chicago formed indie rock band Capital Soirée (fronted and formed by Friday Pilots Club’s guitarist James Kourafas). Having been a fan for years of Friday Pilots Club and their chill, cinematic sound- I knew the bands they brought along would be extremely entertaining as well, making it a Friday or Saturday quality evening on a Sunday night. I knew going into the show I was going to be dancing a lot, and was fully prepared.
The Blind Pig, known for being a small venue that packs a lot of people and amazing live performances nearly every evening was filled wall-to-wall with people excited to see all three bands and dance away the thoughts of the week. When Family Dinner came on stage, the room lit up, and the band brought the energy that got everyone in the front row with me moving and having fun. Arms were in the air as the band and lead vocalist Natalie O’Keeffe came on stage dancing. This band knew how to have fun, and that feeling was so infectious it spilled into the sold-out crowd, making everyone move with them. The band played many of their streamable hits to the sold-out room, and it was glorious. Some of the many songs they performed were “Parasite,” “MPDG,” “Shache,” “Horny Beach Trash,” and “Revenge” as well as more of their hits that are reminiscent of 90’s alt-rock bands and a time when life was about having fun. They put on a great show check them out on Instagram.
Following Family Dinner‘s energetic set was the effervescent foursome from Chicago Capital Soirée with their cinematic cool vibe and style. This group was highly anticipated by everyone I spoke to at The Blind Pig while waiting for the band to begin. Their sound is indie, movie soundtrack worthy, and gives off this incredibly fresh vibe reminiscent of the best nights of someone’s life. You cannot help but dance and rock out to these guys- the high energy, smooth vocals and musical talent brings you out of your brain and into a different dimension. With their hits such as “Dancing Off My Sins,” “Lead me on,” “keep it in the dark,” “Oxygen,” “Reruns,” and “Kerosene,” among more of their smooth and danceable tracks including the not even released yet “Carsick.” Capital Soirée had the entire room on their feet and moving along. This set has had me repeating their music since the show ended, it was incredible. Worries washed away and I was having the time of my life, and it was evident the band was as well. The way they effortlessly moved across stage and played their stunning setlist while dancing with everyone in the venue, it was their world and we were lucky to be a part of it for one night. If you have the opportunity to see them live rush to get tickets, because I am craving more of this band live, Instagram
For the last few years I have listened to Friday Pilots Club, and I love that feel-good vibe they create with their indie rock songs. When they announced their tour for their most-recent album “Nowhere” I had to be there. This album has been on repeat since their release last May, inspiring me to dance in my car with my kids willing to listen to my music and move along. I was so excited to hear that they were playing locally in Ann Arbor, marking my first chance to see them live and be at the intimate Blind Pig. This band did not fail to fill the house and sell out in Ann Arbor which also happens to be the hometown of Bassist Drew Polovick. Family and friends came out to watch the band live, and Drew shared his “734” tattoo and pride for being able to play in his hometown. The entire house was on its feet for the entire set. This band brings it- the energy, the love, the good feelings and the incredibly stylish vibe that takes you to another world. The music is perfect for movie soundtracks, to fulfill the need to dance away your troubles, long road trips across country, those evenings downtown with the windows down living your best life or basically any other scenario.
I was so excited to be shoulder to shoulder with everyone watching this amazing show, and could barely move throughout the venue during the set, with everyone in their own world taking in the music and hip, deliciously smooth vocals of Caleb Hiltunen with Drew Polovik and James Kourafas supporting. “Nowhere” was the perfect song off the new album to begin with to set the tone for the show. Friday Pilots Club knew what they were doing with intertwining some of their slower, more serious tracks with their more indie-pop dance numbers, keeping the crowd fully engaged, enjoying themselves and having an amazing time. “Nothing or Forever,” “Vampire Disco,” “Spectator,” “Outta My Body,” “Ultraviolet,” “Trading Punches,” and “We Don’t Wanna Talk,” all favorites of mine from their new album were played, danced to and sang along with showing the impact this album has had on their fans since it was released. Older Favorites such as “Cut me up,” “Hot Mess,” “Nosedive,” “End of It,” “For the Wicked,” as well as many others from their previous releases were mixed in keeping it fresh as well as a nostalgic set. This band, with their humble start, was incredibly grateful for the fan support and love, and it showed.
Friday Pilots Club turned a Sunday evening, which is usually dreaded by many as school and work starts the following day- into a Saturday night out. The circle pit during “Nosedive” was wild and so much fun to witness. It was such a fantastic show, one that I would definitely return to over and over again. I had the best time, forgetting reality and getting lost in the guitar solos by Sean Burke, and the lively drum beats by Eric Doar- the musical and vocal talents of everyone on stage was top notch. The friendly banter and interactions between the members on stage between songs and during showed that this isn’t just a touring band, this is a family that creates beautiful music together. This band knew how to keep everyone dancing and moving the entire two plus hours of their set. Caleb brought a special fan and friend to the front that he dedicated “Pushing Daisies” to during the set, which showed the kind of heart this band has as well. I would not hesitate to rush for tickets any time this band is in town. The “Nowhere” tour ends this week, but the next time this band is in town I will be there with bells on, dancing my life away, never forgetting that this band took a Sunday and made it the best night of the week. I personally cannot wait to see what they have in store for the future and hope for more live opportunities in the Midwest soon. Still riding the high and listening to the band’s both old and newer songs days later to keep the feeling going.
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