Lake Street Dive, the genre-bending band known for their captivating live performances, delivered a memorable homecoming concert at MGM Music Hall in Fenway on Friday night. Returning to their Boston roots, where the band first formed at the New England Conservatory of Music, Lake Street Dive showcased their musical evolution and the vibrant energy that has defined their career. Fans were treated to a dynamic setlist that spanned their discography, highlighting both new tracks from their album “Good Together” and beloved classics.
Formed in 2004, Lake Street Dive — comprised of the powerhouse vocals of Rachael Price, the rhythmic backbone of bassist Bridget Kearney and drummer Mike Calabrese, the versatile keyboard skills of Akie Bermiss, and the guitar prowess of James Cornelison — have carved a unique space in the music landscape. Their journey, starting in Calabrese’s Vermont home studio in 2023 to craft their eighth album “Good Together,” brought them full circle back to Boston, the city where their musical adventure began. The band’s early days were marked by a joyful exploration of musical styles, as they navigated genres ranging from motown and pop to jazz and R&B, searching for their signature sound. This Boston show was a testament to how those formative years shaped the polished and distinctive sound Lake Street Dive embodies today.
“Thinking back to our early gigs in Boston,” Price shared with the enthusiastic crowd, “if we’d continued playing those smaller venues for years, I think we still would have found happiness.” She then expressed her gratitude for the band’s growth, adding, “But playing for 5,000 of you tonight? That’s pretty amazing too.” Calabrese echoed the sentiment with a simple, heartfelt, “It’s good to be back.” This homecoming felt like more than just another tour stop; it was a celebration of their journey and the city that nurtured their beginnings.
The evening commenced with an opening set by Trousdale, a Los Angeles-based folk group whose harmonies and style provided a fitting prelude to Lake Street Dive’s performance. Dressed in striking monochrome outfits that complemented the dynamic stage lighting, Trousdale charmed the audience with original songs and a spirited cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” playfully claiming authorship of the iconic track. Their set successfully warmed up the crowd, setting the stage for the main act with a sound that hinted at Lake Street Dive’s eclectic influences but with a softer, country-infused edge.
[Placeholder for image 1: A wide shot of Lake Street Dive performing on stage at MGM Music Hall, showing the band and the audience. Alt text: Lake Street Dive band performing live at MGM Music Hall in Boston, highlighting the stage setup and audience energy.]
Lake Street Dive took the stage at 9:10 p.m., immediately captivating the audience with Price’s exceptional vocals, amplified by the infectious energy of a full horn section. The Huntertones, renowned for their high-energy, horn-driven sound, joined Lake Street Dive, adding trombone, trumpet, and saxophone to the band’s already rich instrumentation. The seamless blend of the two groups’ musical talents created a sonic tapestry woven with drums, bongos, auxiliary percussion, electric and acoustic guitars, and the grounding presence of the upright bass.
The performance was not just musically impressive but also visually engaging. Price ventured into the audience during “Dance With a Stranger,” creating an intimate connection with fans. During “Hypotheticals,” a crowd favorite, Price encouraged a singalong, igniting a powerful call-and-response chant of the song’s memorable lyrics, “hypothetically yes, theoretically forever.” These moments of interaction elevated the concert beyond a simple performance, transforming it into a shared experience between the band and their devoted audience.
Lake Street Dive’s live show surpassed even their polished studio recordings. The band’s dynamic stage presence and energetic delivery had the entire venue moving, creating an immersive and enjoyable experience for both longtime fans and those new to their music. Against a backdrop of vibrant, pulsating arches of light that synchronized with the music, Lake Street Dive and The Huntertones delivered a seemingly flawless set. The audience enthusiastically embraced instrumental breaks featuring trumpet, bongos, melodica, tambourine, and triangle, showcasing the band’s versatility and improvisational skills. From the laid-back groove of “Better Than” to the upbeat rhythms of “Party on the Roof,” Lake Street Dive maintained a captivating energy, demonstrating their impressive musical range and stage command.
[Placeholder for image 2: A close-up shot of Rachael Price singing lead vocals, showcasing her stage presence and connection with the audience. Alt text: Rachael Price, lead singer of Lake Street Dive, captivating the audience with her powerful vocals during the Boston concert.]
The night culminated in an encore that included a surprising acoustic cover of the Backstreet Boys’ hit “I Want It That Way,” followed by “Good Kisser.” As the final notes faded, the band members joined hands and took a collective bow, expressing their gratitude for the enthusiastic Boston crowd. This Boston performance on the “Good Together” tour was undeniably a poignant full-circle moment for Lake Street Dive, a return to where it all began and a celebration of their enduring musical journey.
Before performing “Twenty-Five,” a tender ballad accompanied solely by piano, Price shared reflections on her formative years in Boston during the band’s early days. “I want you to know that many of my formative years were spent right here,” she revealed, evoking a sense of nostalgia and personal connection to the city.
Price reminisced about specific Boston experiences, mentioning “The number 1 bus – I don’t know why, but it fills me with such nostalgia. I almost hopped on it today, just to ride down Mass Ave. It really brings back memories.” She continued, “Sometimes revisiting places from your past can bring up complicated feelings, maybe even some bitterness about things that might have been. But tonight, it’s been all softness, just feeling like those times were so great, and it’s okay that they ended.” This introspective moment provided a personal touch to the concert, highlighting the emotional depth behind Lake Street Dive’s music and their connection to Boston.
Lake Street Dive Setlist at MGM Music Hall, Boston – December 13, 2024
- Good Together
- Far Gone
- Better Not Tell You
- Hypotheticals
- Seats at the Bar
- Get Around
- Better Than
- Baby, Don’t Leave Me Alone With My Thoughts
- Making Do
- Party on the Roof
- Bad Self Portraits
- Side Pony
- Call Off Your Dogs
- Help Is On the Way
- You’re Still the One
- Twenty-Five
- Walking Uphill
- Dance With a Stranger
- You Go Down Smooth
Encore
20. I Want It That Way (Backstreet Boys cover)
21. Good Kisser
