Last Sunday, July 9th, singer-songwriter and performer MAX hit the stage with charm and grace at Long Island’s Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY. MAX stole the spotlight, performing a high-energy set as one of the opening acts for beloved boyband Big Time Rush’s highly anticipated Can’t Get Enough Tour.
Anticipation and eagerness were evident in advance of MAX’s set. His stage presence and talent engaged the entire crowd. MAX arrived on stage to his upbeat track “Love Me Less,” the lead single of the 31-year-old’s third studio album, Colour Vision. He pulled in the crowd within seconds of being on stage. His energy and magnetic stage presence captivated the venue and remained powerful throughout his performance. MAX’s ability to effortlessly unify and connect with a massive audience of 15,000 was evident.
The setlist included classic hits, such as his popular song “Lights Down Low,” where MAX transformed the crowd and illuminated the venue with cell phone lights for the track. Jones Beach Theater transformed into an ocean of shimmering lights, which created an intimate atmosphere for everyone in attendance. The artist also performed the beloved track “Blueberry Eyes,” collaborating with famous BTS member Suga.
Well known for his role in Nickelodeon’s 2012 hit musical movie, Rags, MAX performed a brief medley of songs from the film, including “Someday” and “Me and You Against the World.” Fans loved going back in time and surrounding themselves with iconic songs from their childhoods. The medley highlighted MAX’s connection with fans who had grown up alongside him.
It’s undeniable that MAX’s live performances represent a celebration of love and unity, as he not only performs but creates a live music environment where all fans are seen. Within every interaction, gesture, and musical note, MAX knows how to weave together an audience.
Before MAX’s performance, infamous for her incredible songwriting abilities and viral TikTok platform, was musician and performer Jax. Without a doubt, Jax is a fantastic singer-songwriter. Performing tracks throughout the set, such as “Cinderella Snapped,” full of metaphors and modern versions of fairytales and princesses. Among the tracks, she performed, “Cinderella Snapped” stood out with its metaphorical lyrics and modern interpretations of fairy tales and princesses.
Jax made multiple efforts to engage with the crowd, sharing personal anecdotes and acknowledging how important the NY show was to her. The presence of her parents heightened the significance of the event as she reminisced about growing up in the New York/New Jersey area. Jax’s performance of her viral hit “Victoria’s Secret” was most memorable, as she exited the stage to sing with fans within the crowd.
As for headliner Big Time Rush, the show was one of the highlights of the summer. The guys performed new tracks from their latest album (May I add their first album in over a decade), Another Life. BTR opened the show with a lead single from the record, “Can’t Get Enough.” The group also performed fan favorites such as “Song for You,” as well as a medley of tracks from the old days, including “Famous/City Is Ours/ 24 Seven/ Shot in the Dark/ Big Night”.
Within the show’s second act, a torrential downpour took place at Jones Beach Theater, soaking the entire crowd. However, the pouring rain did not scare fans or the band away, as the band and crowd were dedicated to ending the night on an uplifting note. Despite the torrential downpour, the guys entered the crowd during fan-favorite “Windows Down.”
Contrary to expectations, the rain livened up the crowd and band even more.
Amid overcast weather and a torrential downpour at Jones Beach, Max, Jax, and Big Time Rush strongly connected with the audience throughout each set. If anything, the pouring rain as the catalyst of the night only intensified the bond between artists and their fans.
Stay up with the artists here: MAX Socials, JAX Socials, BIG TIME RUSH Socials.
