Article By Ernesto Raul Aguilar Q101 kicked off its week-long Twisted Xmas 2025 series at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom with a high-voltage opening night that blended indie cool, alt-rock energy, and full-on pop spectacle. Three bands, each with a distinct voice and presence, took the stage and delivered a night that felt as festive as it was electric, setting the tone for the rest of the holiday concerts ahead. The evening opened with Los Angeles band Out in Front, who wasted no

Cassadee Pope’s acoustic set at The Loft at City Winery in Philadelphia proved that a stripped-down show can sometimes hit the hardest. With just her guitar, her voice, and a room full of fans, she created a night that felt intimate, warm, and disarmingly honest. Cassadee Pope performing at City Winery in Philadelphia, PA - Photo by Rebecca McDevitt (IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography ) She wasted no time diving into nostalgia, pulling out Hey Monday classics like “Homecoming

Photo by Ernesto Raul Aguilar (IG: @blacksheepimagery ) Article & Photos Contributed by Ernesto Raul Aguilar Few artists blur the lines between virtuosity and eccentricity like Thundercat. On November 7th, 2025, the Los Angeles bassist, singer, and producer brought his signature blend of jazz, funk, and soul to Chicago’s historic Aragon Ballroom, delivering a performance that was both musically dazzling and emotionally charged. Touring in support of his catalog that’s redefin

Photo by Rebecca McDevitt (IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography ) Article & Photos Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt If you grew up blasting pop punk on your iPod Nano, this tour was basically therapy. The Delilah vs. Juliet Tour brought two fan-favorite names, Plain White T’s and We The Kings, together for a night that felt like Warped Tour 2010 all over again. And with Emo Nite setting the tone, the nostalgia levels were off the charts. We The Kings hit the stage first and hone

Photo by Fernando Flores (IG: @fernandofloresphotography ) Article & Photos Contributed by Fernando Flores When Calliope Wren walks on stage, the atmosphere changes. There’s an energy that's magnetic, untamed, and beautifully deliberate. Her performances aren’t just performances, they have an otherworldly pull that takes you into orbit. Long Island-based singer Calliope Wren has set herself up to carve out her own lane in a music world that often tries to define women before

Photo by Ernesto Raul Aguilar (IG: @blacksheepimagery ) Review and Photos by Ernesto Raul Aguilar The Milwaukee legends turn nostalgia into a shared celebration with a timeless, crowd-sung set. Few bands can make a room full of people sing together the way Violent Femmes can. At Chicago’s Salt Shed on October 17, the Milwaukee legends delivered a night of spirited connection and timeless songs that bridged decades of fans. The band made a dramatic entrance through the crowd

Photo by Rebecca McDevitt (IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography ) Article & Photos contributed by Rebecca McDevitt The former American Idol favorite continues to bloom, personally, vocally, and unapologetically. If you don’t know David Archuleta from his American Idol days, you definitely know his timeless hits like “ Crush ” and “ A Little Too Not Over You .” Since his debut, Archuleta has transformed from pop prodigy to fully realized artist - embracing his authentic self an

Photo by Getty Images Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Edited by Rebecca McDevitt, Managing Editor Images provided by Getty Images SoundCheck Mag was lucky enough to be invited to Sam Smith’s To Be Free residency in NYC. Let’s just say, it was one of those nights that’ll stay with you. To witness raw talent is to watch Sam perform live. The residency was a full experience, and SoundCheck Mag is proud to have been there for it. An Intimate Venue & Experience Located at

Photo by Fernando Flores (IG: @fernandofloresphotography ) Review & Photos Contributed by Fernando Flores October 4, 2025 Wantagh, NY The Global Reach Twenty One Pilots has thrived on blending narrative, symbolism, and emotional transparency. Through their music, they’ve built a cinematic world that has opened the eyes of fans all around the globe. Fans that still hold their early cult classics close to heart such as one of my close favorites, “Jumpsuit” which was part of the

Photo by Rebecca McDevitt (IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography ) Montclair, NJ — October 5, 2025 Photos and Show Review by Rebecca...

Sophie Allison, better known as Soccer Mommy, stopped at Globe Iron in Cleveland on the tail end of her September Tour. The venue opened...

On September 12, 2025, Quinn XCII turned the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater into a hometown celebration, with a crowd that felt less like strangers and more like family invited to the biggest backyard party in Sterling Heights.

Fans of all ages buzzed with anticipation, knowing they were about to see Yungblud in the flesh. The energy was palpable, a steady hum running through the room. When the crew moved a lone mic stand to the center of the stage, the roar made it clear: Detroit was ready for their favorite artist to arrive.

When The Black Keys hit the stage, the energy shifted up another notch. They opened with “Thickfreakness,” “The Breaks,” and “I’ll Be Your Man,” immediately showcasing the tight, punchy blues-rock that has defined their sound for years.

Article by Rebecca McDevitt, Contributions by Annie Gallo Photos by Annie Gallo & Rebecca McDevitt Bristow, Virginia • Virginia Beach,...

Article & Photos by Fernando Flores AJR, a band of three brothers with limitless potential rose to stardom with their hit song, I'm...

If you’ve been paying attention to Philly’s alternative scene, you’ve probably heard the name Modern Culture floating around. The...

If you closed your eyes at the House of Blues on August 5th, you could almost believe you’d time-traveled to the golden era of rock — the flashlights were up, the riffs were loud, and the crowd sang every word like their lives depended on it. Dirty Honey and The Struts weren’t just playing a show; they were leading a revival.

Photos and Article by Fernando Flores Big Time Rush July, 23 2025 Wantagh, NY For all of our readers that loved watching Nickelodeon back...

The Burnout Days Tour lit up The Agora with emotion, energy, and unforgettable connection. While many of the songs on Flipturn’s discography can be described as “chill-indie,” their live performance is anything but. The Agora Theater in Cleveland was a place of connection, dancing, good vibes, and burnout days on the evening of July 30th.