September 24, 2024 – Steelhouse – Omaha, NE

On Tuesday night, September 24, 2024, Steelhouse in Omaha, Nebraska was the ultimate destination as Dashboard Confessional, along with special guests Boys Like Girls and Taylor Acorn, delivered an unforgettable show!

The night kicked off with Taylor Acorn, a rising singer-songwriter known for blending country, pop-punk, and alternative influences into her heartfelt music. Originally from Pennsylvania, Taylor gained attention through her covers of popular songs on social media, which helped her build a dedicated fan base. Her hit singles like “Put It in a Song” and “Do That Again” have showcased her unique vocal style and relatable lyrics. Taylor has been recognized on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, often featured in prominent playlists for emerging artists. She currently has over 861 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, and her latest album, Survival in Motion is definitely worth checking out. 

Acorn’s set was refreshing and energetic. Her ability to blend genres like pop-punk and country really stood out, giving her performance a unique vibe. She connected easily with the crowd, sharing personal stories and singing with so much emotion that you couldn’t help but feel every word. Her live vocals were spot on, especially in fan favorites like “Put It in a Song,” where the energy in the room was palpable. Taylor’s genuine stage presence and relatable lyrics made the whole set feel intimate, even in a larger venue like Steelhouse. Overall, it was a fun, engaging set that left the crowd wanting more!  Fantastic way to kick off the show!

Next to the stage was the immensely popular Boys Like Girls.  This was my third time seeing them live, and they didn’t disappoint.

The group burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s, known for their catchy hooks and emotional lyrics. Hailing from Boston, the band is made up of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Martin Johnson, lead guitarist Paul DiGiovanni, bassist Gregory James, and drummer John Keefe. They gained massive attention with their self-titled debut album in 2006, featuring hits like “The Great Escape” and “Hero/Heroine,” which became anthems for a generation of emo and pop-punk fans.

Their follow-up album, Love Drunk (2009), included the chart-topping single “Two Is Better Than One,” a collaboration with Taylor Swift, which boosted their mainstream success. Although Boys Like Girls hasn’t won major awards, their albums have gone Gold, and they’ve been a staple in the Warped Tour scene. After a hiatus, they’ve returned to performing and continue to have a devoted fanbase. Right now, they have over 3.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and their latest single, “Watch the Fire,” with Dashboard Confessional is definitely worth adding to your playlist.

These guys know how to put on a show!  From the moment the band hit the stage, the crowd was singing along to every word. Martin Johnson’s vocals were as strong as ever, and the band’s chemistry made the performance feel tight and polished. Classics like “The Great Escape” and “Hero/Heroine” had everyone on their feet, and the emotional ballad “Two Is Better Than One” had the whole venue swaying. The band brought a mix of old favorites and some newer tracks, keeping the vibe fresh while still delivering that early 2000s pop-punk magic. Fans were buzzing, reliving their emo days with huge smiles on their faces!  Great set!

After a brief intermission, it was time for Dashboard Confessional!

In case you’re not familiar, Dashboard Confessional is an iconic emo and acoustic rock band that rose to fame in the early 2000s, led by singer-songwriter Chris Carrabba. Originally a solo project, Carrabba’s deeply emotional lyrics and stripped-down acoustic sound resonated with a generation of heartbroken fans. Over time, Dashboard Confessional evolved into a full band, with Scott Schoenbeck on bass, Armon Jay on guitar, and Chris Kamrada on drums.

The band’s breakout album, The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most (2001), featured the hit single “Screaming Infidelities,” which earned Dashboard Confessional an MTV2 Award at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards. Their follow-up albums, like A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar (2003) and Dusk and Summer (2006), cemented their place in the emo scene with hits like “Hands Down” and “Vindicated,” the latter being featured on the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack.

Dashboard Confessional has a devoted fanbase and continues to tour, headlining festivals and selling out shows, solidifying their legacy as one of the most influential emo bands of their time. Currently, they have over 1.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and their latest single, “It Was Real To Me,” with Mokita is definitely worth checking out.

Their set was a full-on emotional ride that left the audience feeling like they’d been part of something special. Chris Carrabba’s raw, passionate vocals are even more powerful live, and the way he connects with the crowd is incredible. When the band played classics like “Screaming Infidelities” and “Hands Down,” the entire venue was singing along, creating a vibe that felt almost intimate despite the size of the room. Carrabba’s acoustic moments were a highlight, with everyone hanging on to every word. The mix of nostalgic hits and newer material kept the energy high, and the band played with the same intensity they had in their early days.

At the end of the night, fans left the concert feeling like they had relived their most heartfelt memories, making it a night to remember.  It was an amazing show from start to finish!

Dashboard Confessional Setlist:

• The Best Deceptions
• Again I Go Unnoticed
• The Sharp Hint of New Tears
• Don’t Wait
• The Good Fight
• Carry This Picture
• Southbound and Sinking
• Saints and Sailors
• Remember to Breathe
• Stolen
• The Swiss Army Romance
• Watch the Fire (with Boys Like Girls)
• Screaming Infidelities
• Vindicated

Encore:

• Hands Down

Taylor Acorn

Boys Like Girls

Dashboard Confessional