Strangers
Two nights before a big career milestone in their anticipated debut at MSG, Mt. Joy played to a packed HH Amphitheatre. It came during a week of music excess in Bridgeport with the Marley's having played the night before and Soundside Music Festival, which Mt. Joy played last year, coming in over the weekend.
"This place looks like a cross between a Roman Coliseum and a Circus tent" lead singer Matt Quinn said of the venue. The open-air pavilion served this warm but eventually wet night perfectly, offering fresh air and shelter - and the opportunity to dance in the rain for a few.
The band played two generous sets. Highlights included "Let Loose -> I Know You Rider", a ripping "Lemon Tree", "Mt. Joy" (with Dancing Queen), and the bouncy Roly Poly. The band also informed the audience of the meaning of "Johnson Song" and added some theatrics to their interpretation of that tune. "Thanks for letting us be weird," Quinn told the audience.
The feel-good moment of the night was when they pulled a woman named Maggie from the audience after her sign read "My first EP was inspired by "Strangers" - can I sing it with you?" She took her opportunity and nailed it - to well-deserved applause. Her smile was everything - and the night had a moment for everyone to connect with.
"I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers
Go ride through New York City like I'm famous
And I did not want our love to be erased, but
Lord knows we chased it, love just rearranged us"
This band has such a wide appeal, and having toured hard and played many festivals over the last few years is enjoying its well-deserved rise. They have a growing catalog of songs that people connect strongly to and I loved seeing the enthusiasm of the hardcore fans of this band, including several multi-generational families.
Marking the landmark gig coming up, the band social media accounts thanked it's fans for their ride, noting "and in a beautiful way it's mostly powered by strangers, who we love dearly".
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