On a brisk Wednesday night, November 8th, the lively heart of Chelsea was filled with anticipation. Excited fans, numbering in the hundreds, gathered outside Racket, one of NYC’s newest venues. The reason for their enthusiasm? The alternative-pop trio Nightly was in town, headlining two shows for their “Wear Your Heart Out” tour.
Sharing and supporting the stage with Nightly was the talented Nashville-based singer-songwriter Knox and the Brooklyn-based band Young Rising Sons.
Knox treated the audience to a setlist featuring tracks from his EPs released earlier in the year. Fans were especially thrilled to hear songs from his sophomore EP, “I’m So Good At Being Alone,” along with cherished tunes from his debut EP, “How To Lose A Girl in 7 Songs.”
Undoubtedly, his performance resonated as a decisive full-circle moment, accentuated by his passionately delivering his song “NYC” right in the heart of the city itself.
Knox delivered an extraordinary performance, showcasing a solid stage presence and genuine interactions with fans during his entire set. His heartfelt expressions of gratitude for the opportunity to tour with Nightly elevated the overall experience, creating a truly outstanding and memorable moment for the audience.
Knox’s presence and appreciation added a unique dimension to the performance, leaving a lasting impression on those in attendance.
Headliner Nightly thrillingly hit the stage with the album title track, “Wear Your Heart Out.”
The trio, comprised of Jonathan Capeci, Nicholas Sainato, and Joseph Beretta, performed a mix of pop melodies from Wear Your Heart Out and their debut album, Night, Love You. as well as OG fan favorites including “Black Coffee” and “Dirty White Chucks.”
A notable element that caught my attention during the show was the impressive use of lighting, a critical factor in enhancing the storytelling aspect of each song as the band navigated through their set. The strategic play of lights and graphics illuminated the stage and acted as a visual narrative, complementing the musical journey.
The band’s on-stage chemistry and genuine passion for their craft were palpable throughout the set. The seamless collaboration among all three members was evident, allowing each individual to showcase their unique talents. A particularly memorable highlight that took center stage was drummer Nick Sainato’s acoustic moment with the track “Whisky pt. 2. ”
Screaming every lyric to each song, it was clear that Nightly had built a dedicated community of music lovers. Whether fans bought tickets specifically for the opening acts or the headliner themselves, it was clear that there was a devoted fanbase and dedicated community in the crowd who pride themselves on supporting their favorite musicians.
Wrapping up their show with the single “like i do,” lead singer Jonathan Capeci emphasized the band’s commitment to making a positive impact. They actively supported the Nashville-based non-profit organization Wags and Walks by leveraging their platform. Particularly noteworthy is their creative collaboration, featuring adoptable dogs from the organization in the music video for “like I do”.
With the band’s exceptional talent and engaging stage presence, attending a Nightly show is more than a concert—it’s a cultural and emotional journey worth savoring.
Check out the photo gallery from the show.
