Concert Review: Bleachers is Right On Time

Antonoff and the tour’s most popular prop— a vibrant recording sign.

Article & photos by Kailey Ragland (Instagram / LinkedIn)

Concert: Bleachers at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on 5/29

Stepping into the buzzing Ryman Auditorium on a Wednesday night, the hustle and bustle to find seats in the pews of the infamous Mother Church was quickly validated. Bleachers took to the stage for their second night in a row and again amazed the crowd. The night simmered to excitement with lights out and the sound of a pre-show playlist fading into the darkness. Even the floor was shaking with anticipation until the tour’s most-loved prop illuminated the room, a single recording sign. 

The band engaged the crowd through charismatic saxophone solos, sing-alongs, and band-to-fan chatter. With the Ryman’s 2,300+ capacity, every fan was heard and the band certainly paid attention. As a frequent concertgoer in the heart of Music City, even I must admit the room was immersed in this performance for every second. Between homemade signs, inside jokes, and friendship bracelets, the pure gratitude and amazement from the band paralleled their humility onstage. 

For those less familiar with this GRAMMY award-winning band, saying a search would be worthwhile is a grave understatement. Frontman Jack Antonoff has a multi-platinum repertoire across the Pop and Alternative charts, but he’s not alone. This band is glazed with talent. Antonoff was joined by Zem Adu, Mikey Freedom Hart, Sean Hutchinson, Michael Riddleberger, and Evan Smith, all of which have taken part in critically acclaimed works. This talent blazed throughout the band’s performance and was noted with sounds as simple as a note— specifically D flat. Spoken from Antonoff’s creative mind, “That low sound feels like it has all the knowing of the past and a sliver of hope for the future,” and that exact sound inspired a few of the band’s most-loved songs. 

Though the night was seamless, the show closed with a heartfelt bow, leaving emotions high and several fans yearning for their next show. For a glance into the band’s happenings, check out their Instagram here. 

Zem Adu (right) smiles as Antonoff raises his guitar and the room’s energy.