After over twenty years in the music industry, Lake Street Dive has perfected their craft and united generations of music lovers on their 2025 tour. The multi-genre band has evolved throughout the last two decades but found a sweet spot in their most recent album, Good Together, inspiring their joyous return to the road. Despite the treacherous fight for parking as I arrived, I was thoroughly impressed by Great Park Live, the relatively new Irvine venue. Food vendors lined the outskirts of the field, picnic tables were full of seated families, and orange hot air balloons could be spotted rising behind flocks of running children. While different from my typical concert experience, the night was perfectly suited for a summer evening.
The bouncy acoustic band, The 502s, set the sonic scene with banjos, strong drums, and friendly banter as I entered the gates. Glancing around the outdoor venue, I couldn’t decipher the demographics of the crowd. From middle-aged couples in flannels to millennial friend groups drunkenly swaying to familiar teenage faces, Lake Street Dive evidently attracts a broad array of enthusiasts.
As the daylight dimmed, the moon sat neatly between stage lights and Lake Street Dive walked onto the stage accompanied by jingly keys and synth arpeggios. The set resembled a jazz lounge with illuminated table lamps, velvet bar stools, and soft lighting, presenting an intimate scene despite the near thousand people in attendance. Vocalist, Rachael Price, emerged from streams of blue in a floor-length silver dress. Starting off strong with the opening single and title track of the album, “Good Together” piqued audience attention immediately. The chorus brought bright belts, satisfying chords, and clapping calls and responses. Perhaps the highest energy came from the Huntertones, a trombonist, saxophonist, and trumpeter that joined Lake Street Dive onstage. In addition to intricate blares, the trio’s musical enthusiasm set the tone for the night, drawing people from their seats in a trance.
In a jukebox style, with swaying hips, swinging arms, and chicken neck bass, my favorite song, “Hypotheticals,” was met with adoration. Shortly after, reverberating low chords and piano synths underscored an introduction to the rest of the band. On keys, Akie Bermiss was a clear glue to the group. His playful interludes and later soulful vocals stole the show and soothed the ears. Mike Calabrese, drummer and background vocalist, showcased a true connection with his bandmates. He discussed the importance of planet advocacy, sharing his mission towards a greener touring process, followed by the song, “Making Do (Dew).” Joining Calabrese in the night’s groovy beats was acclaimed percussionist, Nêgah Santos, who can also be heard on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Her use of congas, maracas, a triangle, and wind chimes demonstrated true versatility in addition to her vibrant personality. Bassist, Bridget Kearney, was an unsung hero of the night, switching back and forth between the upright and bass guitar. Finally, James Cornelison stood out for his bold yellow jumpsuit and even bolder guitar riffs and steady rhythms.
To contrast the upbeat jazz, pop, soul, and rock numbers of the set’s first half, the audience was given a moment to catch their breath for three acoustic songs. Popular cover of Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” emulated a campfire sing-along with communal embraces and a slow, but intentional tempo. “Side Pony” and “Help Is On the Way” resembled a Tiny Desk Concert by spotlighting the gentle instrumentation and tight-knit community onstage.
To my delight, the Huntertones returned to orange hues and a roaring applause as they rocked back and forth in synchronized movement. The horn section became easy stars of the show, especially the trumpeter as his bent knees and focused eyes demonstrated great love for his musicianship.
Bermiss on piano joined Price vocally for a heartfelt duet. Between soulful descending riffs from Bermiss and a clean mix from Price, the crowd was wowed by the vocalists’ extensive range and expression. “Twenty-Five” was Price’s moment to shine with powerhouse vocals and a Sara Bareilles-style ballad. Her voice fluttered throughout the open air to a sweet melody and story of looking back on past relationships with love over bitterness. “Seventeen” kept this sentiment but with high-energy, groovy rock drums, and floods of lights to fill the dark Irvine sky.
In the pit, tipsy millennials endeared me as I acknowledged how much this band must mean to them. While I have only known their music for a year, much of the crowd had been fans since the band’s origin in 2004. True fans were easy to spot for their recognition of each song’s opening note and pure joy any time the band discussed their musical history. During “Dance With A Stranger,” I took a moment to glance around the park and smiled at the differing dance styles and excitement from spectators of all ages. “You Go Down Smooth” perfectly fit the song title with smooth, effortless vocals, satisfying harmonies, and evident love for each other.
The encore, a cover of “Ophelia” by The Band, and popular hit, “Good Kisser,” were long anticipated and received with high enthusiasm yet a sense of bittersweet as the night came to a close. For a band spanning so many genres and generations of fans, Lake Street Dive succeeded in bringing people together.
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