Hi! Mine and Johnny’s birthaversary this year brought us the gifts of video games and concert tickets. We each got each other a new game for the Switch 2 as well as tickets to Blossom Music Center to see The Strokes, Josh Groban, and Billy Idol this summer. The first up in our concert lineup was The Strokes and I could not have been more excited. I have been a huge fan of them since the early 2Ks (Not aging myself whatsoever!) and they have always been a band on my concert bucket list. I genuinely couldn’t believe it when I saw they were playing in little old Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and purchased our tickets immediately. They were worth every penny and then some!

After tailgating a bit in the parking lot of Blossom, Johnny and I made our way into the venue just as the first opener, Hamilton Leithauser, was wrapping up. At the time, I didn’t recognize the name, however, I definitely recognize it now and regret not seeing his full performance. We used to play him ALL the time when I worked at PacSun back in the day and I really enjoyed his music. Hindsight is 20/20 and after he left the stage shortly after we took our seats, we made friends with the people sitting behind us while we waited for the next opener, Thundercat, to play.

Thundercat came on shortly afterwards and it was neither here nor there. I didn’t love it or hate it – it was just a very average band with very average songs. I will say that the sound quality when Thundercat performed wasn’t great and that might have improved my lackluster review. However, I don’t think I would go out of my way to listen to them again either way it panned out. I was there for The Strokes and The Strokes alone and it was kind of painful waiting around with all of that anticipation while a subpar band played!

Finally, around nine o’clock, The Strokes took the stage and opened with Ize of the World and all was right in my world. Their performance was a true celebration of their impressive discography and was filled with nonstop bangers and lesser known favorites. I was simply thrilled to hear so many of my alt kid anthems like Juicebox, Hard to Explain, Take It or Leave It, Heart in a Cage, and You Only Live Once. It took me back to evenings spent in the basement with my siblings playing video games and listening to The Strokes’ early albums on repeat. It was a blast of nostalgia from over twenty years ago that made my modern self so happy. ❤

Seeing The Strokes live was an absolute whirlwind. The light show was awesome, they sounded incredible, and the atmosphere couldn’t be beat. It was one big party where we were singing and dancing our hearts out in unison and it was so beautiful to experience. Going into the show, Johnny had only heard a handful of songs by The Strokes and was there for me. By the end of it, he was a super fan too and said he never realized how good they were. I could have told him that years ago but I’m glad he came to the realization now. I would have been worried if he hadn’t because this was one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Best night EVER!

On a totally opposite note from The Strokes, we are seeing Josh Groban next and I cannot wait for more summer nights at Blossom with my main squeeze!

What is your favorite song by The Strokes? Who is one of your favorite early alt bands? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah