Nightly Makes Awaited Return to Michigan

Nightly, the Nashville-based alt-pop band made their long awaited return to Michigan in June. The band, who independently released their most recent album wear your heart out (2023), was joined by Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Low Phase and Columbus, Ohio-based Jady at Grewal Hall in Michigan’s capital city, Lansing.

Low Phase kicked off the show. The indie-rock band has set themselves apart in the Grand Rapids rock scene with their catchy melodies, often disguising the weighty lyrics that define their lyrical content. While this was the band’s first time in Lansing, by the end of their set you would have thought they were regulars in the area. The fans grew louder with each passing song as vocalists/guitarist Caleb Waldvogel and Marley Ferguson performed songs from the Star Dog EP such as “Smokescreen” and “Swimming,” as well as their most recent single “Thin Mirrors,” and a as of yet unreleased new song. Backing these songs in the battery were bassist John Bomer and drummer Miles Ferguson who added a rawness and power to the live performances that energized the crowd.

Next to take the stage was alternative/indie band, Jady. The band brought their unique blend of styles that effortlessly danced between pop, electronic, and even some hardcore elements. The band is touring in support of their 2023 album Napalm, as well as their recently released single “Matte Black.” Probably the most unique aspect of their show was the theatricality they brought. Some songs were introduced via small skits involving singer Jarrett Doherty and drummer Ashtonn Bergdorf.

For example, during one skit, the lights came down and Doherty traversed the stage with a flashlight like someone exploring an abandoned property, only to have a lamp on stage flicker to life before launching into the next song. The band’s stage presence, coupled with their high energy music makes them a must see live act.

The headliners for the evening were Nashville-based Nightly. The three-piece alternative pop band consists of singer Jonny Capeci, guitarist Joey Beretta, and drummer Nick Sainato. Their headlining performance showed why they are such a great live band. Not only did they sound wonderful live, but their connection with the audience (despite not having been to Michigan in several years) was evident throughout their performance. During their set, they asked the audience for input on songs to play, spoke about how excited they were to be back on the road and getting to be with their fans again, and involved the crowd in performances. In on example, Beretta donned a cowboy hat from an audience member for a song. At various points in the performance, both Capeci and Beretta made their way to the pit to perform amongst the fans which caused the nearby fans to go wild.

One particularly special moment was when Capeci noticed a sign in the crowd. A couple in attendance told the band that they had met at a show the last time Nightly had come through Michigan and now were engaged. Capeci spoke with the couple and ultimately dedicated a song to them before the evening was complete.

The combination of a great live sound and a clear bond between the band and the audience made for a really special performance. It’s easy to see why Nightly is such a popular band and why I believe their popularity will only continue to grow.

You can catch Jady on the road in the U.S. throughout the summer and in Europe in the fall. You can catch Nightly next performing at Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 3rd and at the official aftershow the same evening.