The Arizona music scene’s favorite winter tradition, the Ugly Sweater Holiday Party, was in full swing this week in the Valley as Alt AZ 93.3 kicked off its annual bash with Lovejoy, Cannons, and Little Image for its first night in Mesa.
The line to enter snaked around the perimeter of Mesa Amphitheater and into the parking lot of a nearby hotel, many fans decked out in their Lovejoy merch but still showing love for the other bands on the bill.
Case in point: The throng crowding the stage matched Little Image’s frenetic energy as they welcomed the fans into the venue with selects from SELF TITLED, including “BLUE,” “RUNAWAY,” and breakout hit “OUT OF MY MIND.” A highlight of the set, drummer Troy Bruner balanced part of his kit on top of the crowd (a la twenty one pilots) and played a solo to the delight of those close enough to see.
Cannons rode that momentum with a heavy dose of glitter, Michelle Joy’s dress sparkling under the red light that gave the stage a fiery glow. The sounds of “Hurricane” and “Bad Dream” floated through the amphitheater, and a sea of hands in the air made the light ripple over the crowd. Cannons has been touring for years, Joy explained, and the experiences they’ve had on the road led to “Heartbeat Highway,” which they played toward the end of their set. Closing with “Fire For You,” the trio had the crowd rapt.
The promise of Lovejoy’s imminent arrival had the crowd buzzing, namely the front row of fans who donned bedazzled “100” glasses in honor of the band’s 100th show. And they were rewarded with an explosive opener of “Call Me What You Like.” Frontman Wilbur Soot called on the crowd to help him sing, as he was starting to lose his voice, but there was no need. The fans scream-sang along to the 16-song setlist, making the band’s centenary a memorable one.
It’s the season of gifts, and the Ugly Sweater Holiday Party delivered. Check out our photos from the show!
Story and photos by Taylor Knauf
