April 8th, 2025
Concert Review
By Raven: Photographer/Writer
After wrestling with the infamous Florida traffic—what should’ve been a breezy hour-and-a-half drive stretched into a grueling three-hour trek—I finally arrived in St. Petersburg, armed with a sarcastic quip or two about the whole ordeal. But honestly, the chaos of the commute faded into the background as the excitement for the night ahead kicked in. Anberlin was set to headline Jannus Live for their “Never Take Friendship Personal” 20th Anniversary Tour, lighting up a Friday night and establishing the perfect vibe for the weekend. With Copeland set to perform “In Motion” in its entirety and The Dangerous Summer kicking off the festivities, I knew I was in store for an epic experience!
The Dangerous Summer
As the heat of the Florida evening began to mellow, The Dangerous Summer took the stage around 7 PM and absolutely owned it. Hailing from Ellicott City, Maryland, these pop-punk and alternative rock maestros have been heating up stages since 2006, and they know just how to get the crowd buzzing.
They kicked off their set with explosive energy, even celebrating a special birthday on stage for guitarist Josh Withenshaw, adding an extra thrill to the night. With their catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics, it was impossible not to join in and feel the good vibes. From their debut album, “Reach for the Sun”, to their latest release, “Mother Nature”, they delivered an unforgettable performance that resonated with everyone present—packing the night with nostalgia and joy!
BAND MEMBERS:
Aj Perdomo – Vocals/Bass
Marcus Leopard – Guitar
Josh Withenshaw – Guitar
Christian Zawacki – Drums
SETLIST:
Intro: Bill O’Reilly “Do It Live” rant
Way Down
Fuck Them All
No One’s Gonna Need You More
The Permanent Rain
Coming Home
Where I Want to Be
Gravity
Copeland
As darkness enveloped the venue, Copeland emerged, reminding us why they have been cherished in the alternative rock scene since 2001. With their unique blend of emo, pop, and progressive rock, they transported us back in time with ethereal melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Frontman Aaron Marsh effortlessly transitioned between guitar and piano, delivering a surreal experience that fans have come to adore. The lush instrumentation and intricate arrangements set a captivating mood, capturing the audience’s heart with their beloved classics like “Coffee.” If you haven’t explored their discography yet, you’re missing out on a treasure trove of emotional gems!
BAND MEMBERS:
Aaron Marsh – Vocals/Guitar/Piano
Trey Stanley – Bass
Stephen Laurenson – Guitar
Drew Stoutenburg -Drums
SETLIST:
Hold Nothing Back
No One Really Wins
Choose the One Who Loves You More
Pin Your Wings
Sleep
Kite
Don’t Slow Down
Love Is a Fast Song
Coffee(first verse and chorus only, acoustic)
You Have My Attention
You Love to Sing
Anberlin
When Anberlin finally hit the stage around 9 PM, the crowd erupted into sheer euphoria! They whisked us away on a thrilling ride to commemorate the 20th anniversary of “Never Take Friendship Personal”. With the crowd buzzing, touring vocalist Matty Mullins brought an infectious energy that had everyone singing along. But then, the excitement reached new heights as frontman Stephen Christian graced the stage to join for a couple of encore songs, flooding us with nostalgia. The night had us all reminiscing about those sweet MySpace days and the angst that defined our youth.
Blending catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, Anberlin seamlessly combined alternative rock with post-hardcore elements. Crowd favorites like “Godspeed” and “Feel Good Drag” lit up the venue, reminding us of the good times that shaped our lives. This was no ordinary concert; it was a full-blown celebration—an homage to the music that defined a generation. If you haven’t delved into Anberlin’s impressive catalog, now’s the perfect opportunity. They know how to transport you back in time while igniting a sense of youth and exuberance!
BAND MEMBERS:
Matty Mullins – Touring Vocalist
Stephen Christian – Vocals
Joseph Milligan – Guitar
Christian McAlhaney – Guitar
Deon Rexroat – Bass
Nate Young – Drums
SETLIST:
Never Take Friendship Personal
Paperthin Hymn
Stationary Stationery
(The Symphony of) Blasé
A Day Late
The Runaways
Time & Confusion
The Feel Good Drag
Audrey, Start the Revolution!
A Heavy Hearted Work of Staggering Genius
Dance, Dance Christa Päffgen
Encore:
The Resistance
High Stakes
The Unwinding Cable Car (with Stephen Christian)
Impossible (with Stephen Christian)
Godspeed
As the night drew to a close, it became clear that this concert was much more than a performance; it was a profound celebration of music, nostalgia, and connections that bridge generations. The Dangerous Summer set a lively tone, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, Copeland took us on a mesmerizing odyssey through their enchanting melodies.
Then came Anberlin, who brought the house down, seamlessly merging the thrill of the past with the excitement of now. With Stephen Christian joining for emotional encore moments, the crowd was swept away in a whirlwind of memories, laughter, and camaraderie. As we left the venue, the electric energy lingered, and the shared experience left us all craving more—eager to relive the magic again and ready to embrace all the moments yet to unfold.
Anberlin
Copeland
The Dangerous Summer
LIVE NATION:
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