By Christopher Crone
Lo-Fi Lowdown kicked off the night with a laid-back but confident set that eased the crowd into the evening. Their sound had a smooth groove that steadily pulled people in, setting a solid foundation for everything that followed.
Diversity of O.N.E. brought a noticeable shift in energy, blending styles in a way that kept the audience on their toes. Their set felt dynamic, moving between rhythms and lyrical flows that showed off both versatility and chemistry. You could tell they weren’t just performing, they were connecting, feeding off the crowd’s reactions and giving it right back. Notably, this marked the first show with Jemell McGuire, known as Lil Mezzy, who is proudly carrying on the legacy of his late father, Jemezzy McGuire. That added an extra layer of meaning to the performance, and you could feel it in the emotion behind the music. There was a strong sense of purpose in their delivery, like every track had something to say. The group’s stage presence grew with each song, pulling more people closer to the stage. By the midpoint of their set, the audience was fully engaged, nodding along and responding to every beat drop. They struck a nice balance between polished execution and raw, live energy. It was the kind of performance that leaves you remembering the name long after the night ends.
Kelsey Lynn delivered a performance that mixed strong vocals with an undeniable stage presence. She connected easily with the crowd, bringing a personal touch that made her set feel intimate despite the packed room. She describes her music as a fusion of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and EDM, often leaning into a style she calls “Trap Pop,” which came through clearly in her set. Beyond the music, she also used her platform to promote positivity, speaking about overcoming body image and mental health struggles and encouraging fans to “give yourself grace.” Her confidence and authenticity carried through each song, making it clear why she was such a great fit for this lineup. Later in the night, her return to the stage alongside other performers only added to the sense of collaboration and fun.
Big Murph came out with a commanding presence and kept the momentum going strong. His delivery was sharp, and he knew exactly how to work the crowd, keeping the energy levels high. Between songs, he mixed in some funny, personal stories about himself, which added a relaxed and relatable vibe to his set. There was a natural charisma in the way he performed, making his set both entertaining and memorable. Like Kelsey Lynn, his later appearances during the headlining set added another layer to the night’s overall vibe.
This marked my third time seeing the Moonshine Bandits, and somehow they keep getting better every time. The first was two years ago at Aftershock, then again last year at Goldfield, and now this show felt like a full-circle moment. Leading up to this concert, I had their music on constant rotation, so much so that it got my wife hooked too. We don’t always agree on what to play in the car, but Moonshine Bandits became common ground, which says a lot. When I told her about the show, she immediately said she wanted to go, and she doesn’t attend many concerts with me—though to be fair, I’m usually at eight a month. From the moment they hit the stage, the energy was electric, and the crowd responded like family rather than just fans. Having full access to photograph the show made a huge difference and allowed me to capture some truly special moments. One standout was Bird handing a flag handkerchief to a young “Shiner” in the front row—a moment that perfectly summed up the connection they have with their fans. DJ Chopstiqs held it down on the turntables, and as always, he was out hanging with fans before the show—including myself—which speaks volumes about how approachable this whole crew is. Backing it all up, Luther “Colt” Strickland on drums added a live punch that elevated the sound throughout the set. The band also brought fans on stage twice, with women dancing during songs, adding a fun, interactive element that the crowd clearly loved. The playful back-and-forth between the dancers and Dusty and Brett kept things lively and unpredictable. Even their stage and production manager, Steven Hoff, got in on the action, helping hand out shots of whiskey throughout the set. Those moments became even more memorable when Kelsey Lynn and Big Murph joined them on stage, turning the show into something that felt more like a celebration than a concert. It really did feel like a family gathering, with everyone dancing, singing, and raising a glass together. The chemistry between everyone involved made the night feel genuine and unforced. By the end of the set, it was clear why their fanbase is so loyal, they create an experience, not just a performance. A special thanks to Dusty Dahlgren and Steven Hoff for giving me the access and the opportunity to document and photograph the entire night. I’m already looking forward to the next time they roll through town.
Categories: Concert Photography, Moonshine Bandits, Reviews
Leave a Reply