March 7, 2025, was a legendary night that shook The Roxy. The iconic Rare Americans headlined the show, with support from Shauna Dean Cokeland and Hotel Mira—both incredibly talented artists worth checking out. The venue was packed, and the crowd had some of the best energy I’ve ever seen. It was one of those shows where you just knew you were in for a great time.

Shauna Dean Cokeland kicked off the night with her charismatic, down-to-earth energy. Playing acoustic guitar, her lyrics felt both deeply relatable and immersive, pulling the audience into a story. She is undeniably an incredibly talented songwriter. If you like artists like Madilyn Mei, Mxmtoon, Brake, and Ricky Montgomery, you’ll love her music. She performed songs such as "Electric Blue" and "Last Best Pop Stars." "Electric Blue" is one of those songs that offers comfort to anyone who’s ever felt out of place or disconnected from the world. It was also refreshing to see her smile while singing "Last Best Pop Stars"—you could tell how much she loves music. Her appreciation for her fans was clear in the way she spoke to the audience, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. I love the unique poetic introspection she brings to her singing. At the end of her set, she made a heart sign with her hands to the audience—a sweet and genuine moment.

Hotel Mira was up next, and if you’ve never seen them live before, let me tell you—they will surprise you. If I had to compare their energy to something, I’d say they have more energy than someone on a sugar rush. If you took your eyes off their lead singer for even a second, you’d miss something. The entire band radiated confidence, and their infectious energy was impossible to ignore. Their instrumentals were catchy, and their singer danced across the stage like nothing in the world could bring him down. He wasn’t afraid to interact with the audience either—at one point, during "Speaking Off The Record," he jumped into the crowd, singing while fans held his hand. You could feel everyone living in the moment. When the band spoke about the importance of community, it was a touching reminder of the power of music. Seeing bands like Hotel Mira speak up gives me hope for the future. Their setlist also included "King of the World," "Making Progress," "Fever Pitch," "America’s Favorite Pastime," "Jungle," "Vampire," "Dancing With The Moonlight," and "Southern Comforting." Genuinely, their music and stage presence were top-tier.

By the time Rare Americans were set to take the stage, the crowd was hyped. They opened with two band members pounding on drums before the lead singer burst onto the stage. They had the entire audience jumping along with them. From start to finish, the crowd was fully engaged—whether through movement or singing along. During their new song "Deadly Shade of Blue," they asked the audience to turn on their phone flashlights, creating a breathtaking scene that looked like a starry night sky. Their performance of "Mr. Please" perfectly captured the frustration of living in today’s world. A special highlight was when Shauna Dean Cokeland joined them onstage for a song—an exciting moment to witness.

Their sense of humor added to the experience, with witty moments like a Q&A session and a band member playing a random instrument. A fan favorite, "Hullabaloo," was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. One of the best moments of the night was when they brought audience members on stage to sing "Cats, Dogs & Rats." Everyone up there looked like they were having the time of their lives. The crowd chanted for an encore, and Rare Americans delivered, performing three songs that told the story of Brittle Bones Nicky. The audience knew every word, singing along and throwing their hands in the air in unison. The ending of the set left me eagerly anticipating the final song in the Brittle Bones Nicky arc—I know it will be worth the wait.

Every performer that night knew how to engage the crowd and leave them excited for what’s next. Even my friend, a longtime Rare Americans fan, enjoyed the show even more than he expected. It was a night that surpassed all expectations. The sheer talent on display was unbelievable, and I can’t wait to see how these artists continue to impact the world. And of course, the final chapter of Brittle Bones Nicky is something to look forward to.