by photojournalist Wyatt Combs
Friday night, Jannus Live hosted a completely sold-out crowd. The venue was packed wall to wall with fans eager to experience the first-ever St. Petersburg performance by the acclaimed group Lake Street Dive. They’re currently wrapping up the final dates of their tour here in the Southeast. Joining them for this leg is the excellent Los Angeles–based band Trousdale.
Trousdale, the trio of Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene, and Lauren Jones, opened the evening with the title track from their latest album Growing Pains, released this past April. By the time they struck their first note, the venue had already filled in, and it was clear they had drawn a devoted contingent of their own fans. The crowd sang along with their flawless three-part harmonies, while guitarist Jacob Galdes and drummer Carter Couron provided strong instrumental support to the ladies.
Whether it was their intricate vocal blends, sharp songwriting, confident stage presence, or simply the enthusiasm of the audience, Trousdale delivered one of the most impressive opening sets I’ve seen in some time. A highlight of their performance was a stunning rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s classic The Chain. For those unfamiliar with their music, their new single The Ick is well worth a listen, and their next stop through town should not be missed.
Lake Street Dive followed as the night’s headliner. Though it was indeed their first time performing in St. Petersburg, they are far from being newcomers to the touring life. They took the stage with the polish and assurance of seasoned veterans. Their presence alone radiated confidence, and even before the first note, it was clear the audience was in the hands of true professionals.
Formed in 2004 at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Lake Street Dive’s foundation in rigorous musical training remains evident today. Their songwriting strikes a rare balance—rich and sophisticated enough to satisfy trained musicians while still accessible and engaging to a wide audience.
Their setlist included all the fan favorites, such as Hypotheticals, Better Than, Bad Self Portraits, and Good Together. A standout moment came when keyboardist Akie Bermiss took the lead for a heartfelt rendition of Shania Twain’s You’re Still the One. His vocals equally matched the power of frontwoman Rachael Price, offering a fresh and memorable take on the classic. Adding to the atmosphere, a group of fans could be seen dancing on a nearby rooftop during Party on the Roof, taking the song’s lyrics to heart.
During the show, Price also shared some exciting news: once the tour concludes, the band will return to the studio to record a brand-new album for their fans.
In the end, the night was a resounding success for both bands. Trousdale proved themselves to be an act to keep up with, commanding the stage with a performance that could have easily stood on its own. Lake Street Dive, meanwhile, demonstrated why they’ve built such a devoted following, delivering a set that was both technically brilliant and joyfully accessible. For the packed house at Jannus Live, it was an evening of music worth remembering.
