A Review of the Switchfoot Concert, July 23

Thursday evening Switchfoot brought the southern California coast sound and style to Papillion’s Sumtur Amphitheater as a part of their Tour de Compadres. Opening up was Colony House, and Co-headlining alongside Switchfoot was Drew Holcolmb and The Neighbors and NEEDTOBREATHE. By the end of the night just over 2,000 were in attendance.  

From Franklin, Tennessee, Colony House kicked off the night, bringing southern swagger combined with a unique, Gaslight Anthem meets Black Keys sound. The set included such tracks as: Waiting for my time to Come and Silhouettes.

Next up was Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Their performance came off relatively dry and motionless at times. However, this Zac Brown-looking group’s sound was at times possessive of a classic rock appeal. Strings and Drums with their rhythm and pitch, rivaled that of many American folk artists, which pleased the many classic rock fans in attendance. Drew mentioned his wife Ellie, who was not in attendance, due to the birth of her son just four days before the show! Both may even be in attendance when the group returns to Omaha April 21st, at The Waiting Room.

Switchfoot began playing at 8 p.m., just as sunset began to dawn over the amphitheater. The energy level was high from the opening of the set to the close. Front man John Foreman even navigated from the stage to the crowed: embracing the fans, walking through the arena seating, and all the way up to the sound board. The Band’s hits “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move” sounded just as solid live in comparison to a vinyl copy of the 2003 released “The Beautiful Let Down.”

NEEDTOBREATHE had the honor of closing the show. The crowd’s enthusiasm and love for the South Carolina-based group, grew more audibly clear after the conclusion of every song through the set.

Great Show.

Contributing for MavRadio,

Max Edmonds