It had been a while since I last immersed myself in the sounds of Dance Gavin Dance, so when I heard they were bringing the Jackpot Juicer US Tour to my favorite Maryland venue, I was instantly transported back to my teenage years filled with angst and energy. Arriving at The Fillmore Silver Spring for what promised to be an electrifying night, I was ready to experience the tour firsthand.
My eagerness to catch every band on the lineup meant I arrived a little too close to doors, or so I thought. It turned out doors opened earlier than I anticipated, and I unfortunately missed Within Destruction’s set. Catching up with a friend, Courtney, at the show, I learned I had missed a truly heavy and impressive set from them. Missing Within Destruction was a bummer, but it definitely put them on my radar for the next time they roll through town.
Fortunately, my timing was perfect for Rain City Drive as they took the stage. I often prefer to go into shows for opening bands without prior listening, and Rain City Drive proved to be another fantastic discovery. Their performance was nothing short of rocking. Guitarist Felipe, radiating energy in his leather jacket and wide smile, looked like he was having the time of his life. Vocalist Matt engaged with the crowd, pointing his mic stand towards enthusiastic fans throughout their set.
Hailing from California, Rain City Drive brought a West Coast heatwave to Maryland. Their stage presence was captivating, and the crowd’s enthusiastic reception was palpable. Unlike some shows where openers face a lukewarm audience, the energy for Rain City Drive was high. Crowd surfers were constant, and I even spotted a fan in a banana suit who managed to get a fist bump from Matt – a testament to the band’s engaging performance and the crowd’s excitement.
Rain City Drive even treated the audience to a brand-new single, “Frozen,” which, despite being unreleased, had many fans singing along. As their set concluded, the room was buzzing with an infectious energy, a great precursor for what was still to come on this Dance Gavin Dance Tour stop.
Next up was SiM, a reggae “punx” band from Japan. After a quick online search beforehand, I was still unsure what to fully expect from their live show. What followed was nothing short of explosive.
SiM absolutely dominated the stage. Bassist SIN was a whirlwind of motion, kicking, spinning, and effortlessly maneuvering his bass. Lead vocalist MAH was a force of nature, darting across the stage with such speed and dynamism that photographers struggled to keep him in frame.
Drummer GODRi and guitarist SHOW-HATE were equally captivating, grinning and fully embracing the band’s theatrical performance style. “KiSS OF DEATH” was a standout track for me, though honestly, every song was a high-energy banger. SiM was like lightning in a bottle, and in my opinion, they completely stole the show, leaving a lasting impression on everyone anticipating the Dance Gavin Dance tour headliners.
After a final gesture of blown kisses to the crowd, SiM exited the stage. The simple black backdrop with a white bat symbol, used for the openers, was replaced by Dance Gavin Dance’s vibrant, fruit-themed backdrop – a fitting visual for the Jackpot Juicer tour.
The lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted as Dance Gavin Dance took the stage. Each member appeared one by one, culminating with vocalist Tilian Pearson, who immediately launched into their set.
The name “Dance Gavin Dance” truly reflects their performance style, as both Tilian and screamer Jon Mess danced and grooved throughout the set. Jon’s moves were endearingly nerdy, while Tilian brought a more sensual energy to his stage presence.
Moving from the photo pit to the audience area, I was struck by the sheer volume of the crowd singing along. Every single person seemed to know every word to every song. It was the kind of passionate audience participation that truly elevates a live show.
Dance Gavin Dance delivered a powerful thirteen-song set, enhanced by visually appealing neon slot machine and fruit animations on the screens behind them. The visuals perfectly complemented the Jackpot Juicer tour theme.
By the seventh song, the sold-out venue’s packed atmosphere was starting to take its toll. Seeking a breather, I retreated to the basement bar at The Fillmore, where thankfully, air conditioning was plentiful.
A large screen in the basement allowed me to watch the remainder of the show. While Dance Gavin Dance’s stage presence felt a bit more reserved compared to the explosive energy of SiM, they still delivered a fantastic performance, driven by their intricate musicianship and dedicated fanbase.
Even from the basement, I could hear the thunderous applause demanding an encore, and the band obliged with “We Own the Night” and “Evaporate.” While I had hoped to hear “Uneasy Hearts Weigh the Most,” a personal favorite from my high school days, “We Own the Night” was a welcome addition to the encore.
Dance Gavin Dance concluded the night, and the crowd surged out onto the street. Despite missing Within Destruction’s set, the Dance Gavin Dance tour stop was undeniably a bombastic and memorable show.
There are still dates left on the Jackpot Juicer US Tour! Don’t miss the chance to experience this incredible lineup live. Check the tour dates and ticket information to catch the Dance Gavin Dance tour in a city near you.
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TOUR DATES
September 25 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre*
September 27 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
September 29 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
September 30 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage
October 3 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE*+
October 4 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre*+
FALL FESTIVAL DATES
October 6 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock
SWANFEST 2023
October 1 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center
