Quinn XCII sets out on his "LOOK! I'm Alive" Tour
On Friday, September 19, 2025, Quinn XCII swung through Chicago's Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom with a bang for the release of his 7th studio album "LOOK! I'm Alive" - which released at the end of July. I suppose that Quinn came with less of a bang but rather more of a VIBE... and harmonicas. As someone who has never seen Quinn live before, this was truly an amazing experience which was only amplified by the incredible crowd.
The best way that I can explain how the show went - is to say that 'a time was had.' While I cannot say that I know Quinn personally, I can say that he seems like an incredibly genuine person based on the experiences, and the level of intimacy, that he brought to his interactions on stage. If you believe in energy, and the idea that you attract what you put out, it's safe to say that he clearly attracts all of the most kind-hearted people. From my personal experience with the crowd, everyone that I interacted with - or interacted with me - had such a positive impact on me. As people saw me walking around with a camera, a lot of people stopped me to give me words of encouragement and wish me luck. Both, as an individual and a photographer, these were some of my favorite experiences EVER.
Listening to Quinn takes me back to COVID times when I was playing mobile games and I randomly met someone online who ended up being a great friend of mine. We started sharing music and one of the songs that she shared was "Bootleggin" from Quinn's first album, "Bloom." It's honestly crazy to think that was all about 5 and a half years ago now.
As I write this out, I have Quinn's new album playing in the background, while I also simultaneously chat with some friends, and all I want to do now is close my computer and lay in my bed and think about how I ended up being so lucky - ending up where I am, at the time that I did, that ultimately led me being here... So, I think I will do just that and leave this be. In case anyone was wondering, "Florence" & "Olive Tree" are the songs that are currently playing - and the songs that have my heart in a chokehold.
P.S. - While I didn't get a chance to try it, Quinn XCII is taking "Mustard Across America" to select stores. Keep an eye out for Mustard Mike's 'Michigan Cherry Bourbon' mustard!!
