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Caamp Comes Home
- Madison Cozzens
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Live at Jacob’s Pavilion | Cleveland, OH
Contributed by Madison Cozzens
Revised by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief
Caamp’s roots run deep in Ohio soil — and on the seventh stop of their 2025 tour, the American folk band returned to where it all began. With the sun setting behind the Cleveland skyline and the Cuyahoga River rippling beside them, the indie-folk favorites took the stage at Jacob’s Pavilion, bringing their signature mix of nostalgia, grit, and soul-stirring storytelling to a packed crowd.
Formed in Arlington, Ohio, Caamp first emerged on the scene in 2016 with their self-titled debut album. Nearly a decade later, they’ve racked up over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify and just dropped their fourth studio album, Copper Changes Color, earlier this year — a long-awaited follow-up after a three-year gap.
Fans were ready.
Setting the Scene
Jacob’s Pavilion was buzzing long before Caamp stepped on stage. Fans gathered not just inside the venue but along the riverbanks and even from kayaks floating nearby. As the city lights reflected off the water, the evening kicked off with two openers that set the tone for a night of authentic Americana.
First up was Gardner, a fellow Ohio-based group fresh off the release of their latest album A Million Things. With a sound that blends indie twang, country grit, and jam-band freedom, Gardner brought a local flavor and looseness that resonated.
Next was Whitney, a six-piece band hailing from Chicago. Their set leaned into rich instrumentation, with standout moments like the melancholic fan favorite “No Woman,” where warm trumpet melodies wrapped around bittersweet lyrics and steady guitar strums. By the time they closed, the crowd was fully in rhythm — primed for the main act.
The Magic of the Familiar
Caamp took the stage quietly at 9 p.m., no flash or fanfare, just the gentle presence of four musicians stepping into a moment. A single spotlight fell on lead singer Taylor Meier, whose raw, raspy voice opened the night with “Millions,” the first track off their new record. That signature gravelly tone — equal parts comfort and ache — grounded the performance with an intimacy that felt like storytelling around a campfire.
By song two, the energy shifted. “Vagabond,” a standout from their 2016 debut, turned the venue electric. What begins as a soft, reflective tune quickly morphs into a toe-tapping anthem, and in this live setting, the transition hit like a jolt of joy. Fans were on their feet, shouting lyrics, dancing with abandon as the band leaned into a lively, banjo-backed jam. It was a moment of collective catharsis — the kind that stays with you.
Later in the set, Caamp delivered the live debut of “Ohio’s Ugly,” a stripped-down ballad about finding beauty in the ordinary. The lyrics, humble and homespun, mirrored the landscape around them: imperfect, real, and full of heart.
A Night on the River
One of the most serendipitous moments came during the set, when a barge ship glided past on the river behind the stage. The crowd erupted, phones in the air, as the ship’s horn let out a low bellow mid-song — an unplanned harmony that somehow fit the night’s theme of natural, unpolished magic.
Caamp closed the show with “By and By,” a sing-along staple that brought everyone back together one last time. Voices rose, lights shimmered on the water, and the band gave Cleveland a heartfelt farewell.
Authenticity That Endures
There’s a reason Caamp has steadily grown their following without ever chasing trends. Their sound — honest lyrics, raw vocals, and earthy folk instrumentals — is grounded in storytelling that feels both personal and universal. Whether it’s a quiet ballad or a full-bodied jam, their music captures the feeling of movement: across the country, down backroads, through heartbreak, or just deeper into yourself.
Their live show is no different. It’s not about spectacle — it’s about soul.
And on this homecoming night in Ohio, Caamp proved that they’re still just as connected to their roots as ever.
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