by Andrew Calvio

Multi Grammy winning producer, singer, songwriter Jack Antonoff hosted a night full of singalongs and good vibes with his band Bleachers at Moody Amphitheater on Friday 05/31/24 in Austin. The night was threatened with severe thunderstorms that concert goers were eagerly tracking as the night began. Supporting act Samia kicked things off filling the venue with her catchy indie pop vibes. 

As the time came for the headliners to take the stage, we were told that they would be delaying the show for at least an hour then make a decision to perform or postpone. Choosing to wait in the comfort of my air conditioned vehicle I began walking out of the venue. Just as I hit the stairs leading out, the stage lit up and a backing track started. Our venue escort came running out and informed us that the band had changed their mind at the last minute. We all rushed back just in time to see the band take the stage. The sky was ominous as I remained skeptical yet grateful.

Bleachers did not disappoint. The stage was illuminated with a single light shining on the frontman creating the perfect backdrop for the opening track “I Am Right on Time” from their most recent self-titled album Bleachers. Not only an incredible musician and brilliant songwriter, Jack Antonoff is a showman and a crowd pleaser. Shouting praises to the crowd and engaging with his audience, the man knows how to entertain. “AustinTX!! The greatest city in the world for music! You can quote me!” Indeed we will sir. Bleachers tours with 2 drummers Micheal Riddleberger and Sean Hutchinson, 2 saxophones Evan Smith and Zem Audu, and Mikey Freedom Hart on keys/guitar. These multi instrumentalists constantly swapped gear throughout the night keeping the set high energy. Only pausing briefly between songs to banter with the crowd, Antonoff pointed out that “the lawn people are feral” and “the lawn is like, I don’t wanna go there… but man, do I wanna go there.” During “Chinatown,” the side stage screens showed a young couple holding a phone with a message saying “she said yes!” It will be a moment that they will remember forever as Antonoff acknowledged them and gave them a congratulatory shoutout. The band kept churning out hits, sandwiching “Wild Heart” and “Rollercoaster” from the Strange Desire album. As the night wound down, the band promised to give everything they had and finish strong. The crowd erupted as the self help anthem “I Wanna Get Better” started, bringing everyone to their feet. A giant singalong started with the crowd hanging on every word. One of the best feelings in the world is being a part of something much bigger while still realizing self worth. They finished the night on a high note playing “Don’t Take The Money” followed by the catchy upbeat “Stop Making This Hurt.” Band members left the stage one by one in an extended outro of the last song while the saxophones kept the beat alive allowing the others to wave and say their thanks to the crowd. It was a really fun show with an overall positive message.   

The downpour never came as Mother Nature settled for blessing the venue with only a tiny sprinkle of water and a distant high level light show. Things worked out this evening with Jack Antonoff and his band. As the frontman said before exiting the stage, “Austin Texas and Bleachers forever!”  

Setlist

I Am Right on Time

Modern Girl

Jesus is Dead

How Dare You Want More

Wake Me

Everybody Lost Somebody

Goodmorning

I Miss Those Days (partial)

Me Before You

Chinatown

Don’t Go Dark

Self Respect

Wild Heart

Rollercoaster

Let’s Get Married

Dream of Mickey Mantle (acoustic)

91 (acoustic)

Ordinary Heaven

Tiny Moves

I Wanna Get Better

Don’t Take the Money

Stop Making This Hurt