In a world where music is just a tap away, why bother with live performances at all? The truth is, live performances have become a lost art. We seem to have forgotten that music isn’t just something we’re meant to simply hear, it’s something we need to feel.
A live show is more than just noise; it is the collective heartbeat of a crowd, the energy of a performer feeding off that moment and the privilege of watching a song take on a life of its own before your very eyes. Concerts remind us that music is meant to be experienced, not just consumed. They are where connection thrives in real time and where something as simple as a song can take root within your very soul, sparking emotions that would otherwise be unattainable.
That's exactly the magic that unfolded at Cat’s Cradle Feb. 21. The show was opened by Juniper, a Nashville-based alternative band. The moment they struck their first chord, the entire room seemed to shift: It wasn’t just a performance; it was a portal to another world, where nothing existed but you and the music.
As Juniper finished their energetic set, the venue's atmosphere was electric. With each cheer from the audience, the energy soared, creating a spirited vibe that bathed everyone in the room. After a brief intermission, the stage lights began to glow, casting a warm halo around the instruments as Arts Fishing Club made their way on stage.
They didn’t just take Juniper's place — they took command of the space. They were effortlessly confident, sending the message that the stage wasn’t simply where they performed, it was their home. As the music surged to life, their presence became irresistible, pulling the audience in like the tide, only leaving room for the pure, undeniable thrill of experiencing the songs.
Watching the band perform together was nothing short of magical: they filled spaces within each song with moments of genuine connection that felt as intimate as a gathering of friends simply doing what they loved. Throughout the performance, subtle interactions unfolded that made the experience that much more special. During “Horizon Eyes,” for example, the group moved in perfect sync with the beat, their seamless coordination amplifying the song’s impact.
Beyond their precision, they effortlessly engaged the crowd, inviting them to clap along and immerse themselves in the performance. The song, which speaks of following your own unique path despite societal pressures to conform, was accompanied by such an inclusive energy in the room that listeners had no choice but to immerse themselves in.
Another song, “Hello Heartbreak,” served as a nice contrast to the previous. With a slower pace and more melancholic lyricism, it was fascinating to witness the band’s genre-bending firsthand.
One particularly intriguing moment during Arts Fishing Club’s performance stood out to me. As most of the band walked off stage, lead vocalist Christopher Kessenich remained, guitar in hand, for a solo set. The acoustic interlude provided a calming contrast to the high-energy songs that preceded it, offering a chance to unwind. However, the shift from a full-band performance to a solo act felt somewhat abrupt. Still, this unexpected choice was something I had never seen a band do live before, adding to the distinct and memorable nature of the show.
As the band reconvened on stage together and played their last songs, the members stepped offstage with waves and grateful smiles and disappeared into the back of the venue. But the audience wasn’t ready to say bye just yet. What started as a few scattered calls for “one more song!” quickly transformed into a unified chant that surged through the venue, quickly gaining momentum like a boulder rolling down a hill. Just when hopefulness was teetering on the edge of doubt, the band reappeared.
Grins spread across their faces as they grabbed their instruments once more and began to play a personal favorite song of mine, “Bad=Woman=Bad.” The instruments meshed with a bright, melodic resonance. The drums punctuated the air with a dynamic energy, each beat crisp and invigorating. Kessenich’s honeyed yet powerful timbre seemed to dance around the listener in a playful performance. I found the lyrics very catchy, and really reminiscent of a theme song for an action movie protagonist.
As the final notes faded into the air, they had delivered an unforgettable experience that resonated long after the song was over. With their final goodbyes, it was clear Arts Fishing Club had left an indelible mark on the crowd, reminding all of us why live music should hold such a special place in our hearts.
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Jenna Arafeh is a Trinity first-year and a staff writer for Recess.