by photojournalist Allison Davis
The anticipation outside Jannus Live on Tuesday night was quite visible. Watching the crowd queue from my pre-show perch at Starbucks is a ritual a chance to see the true fervor of fans ready to claim their spot at the barrier, a ritual I fondly remember performing myself. That electric sense of shared eagerness set the perfect stage for a night headlined by The Band CAMINO but ultimately defined by the pure, unadulterated energy of their support.
The evening kicked off with Alina, a Las Vegas native out on her very first tour. With a sweet energy and undeniable enthusiasm, she immediately won over the crowd. Her performance was a like a throwback, with a familiarity of the amazing female artists who graced the stages of the Lilith Fair in the late 90s, she just may be the next generation of women changing the world through music. Opening for a major act is never easy, but Alina and her band carried their set with palpable confidence, proving that talent and heart will always find an audience.
The mood shifted when almost monday hit the stage, transforming the St. Pete venue into a sun-drenched, Pacific coastline paradise. Having strong roots on the West Coast myself ,stomping the little more North Huntington Beach grounds—I am completely drawn to this trio. Their sound is a masterful sonic blend: the frenetic, surf-rock undertones of a legend like Dick Dale, layered seamlessly with modern new wave and a bright alternative finish.
While I’d heard their tracks like “can’t slow down” and “enjoy the ride”, I didn’t truly grasp the full scope of their sound until watching them live. The music literally came to life, instantly transporting me back to the Pacific, to days spent playing in the waves, and nights warmed by bonfires on the sand.
Frontman Dawson Daugherty’s energy is nothing short of infectious. A blur of movement and charisma, he poured every ounce of that California optimism into the microphone, further igniting the already buzzing crowd. almost monday didn’t just warm up the audience; they brought Jannus Live to a full, screaming boil, setting a standard of energy that would be hard to beat.
Though almost monday closed their set with a killer performance, the night was far from over. The Band CAMINO took the stage, and the roar from the crowd hit the roof. Guitarist Spencer Stewart stepped onto a platform, and with the first crashing chord, surprised everyone with a powerful blast of confetti, officially pushing the crowd into full gear.
This Tennessee-based band clearly commands an incredible following. Every single word to every single song was passionately sung back by the audience. While their signature energy is upbeat, they took an unexpected, but welcomed, break with a short acoustic set. The sound may have momentarily slowed, but the music’s momentum never faltered. The Band CAMINO pumped out more of their beloved songs, and eventually closed the night with “What I Want”. The crowd’s vocals were almost overpowering the band itself, a powerful testament to the genuine love and connection the audience has for this band.
THE VERDICT: NEVER TURN AWAY
The Almost Never Tour was a dynamic success, proving that live music will always be the key to unlocking a sense of belonging and setting the stage for the rhythm we call life. This experience is a powerful reminder to seize any chance you get to witness a live show, even if it’s a band or genre you may have previously overlooked. You just might find yourself feeling you’ve been missing out on something extraordinary.
