Summer School is Now in Session!

Idobi Summer school headed to chciago as the second stop of this years "summer school" tour. Featuring emerging artist to solid artis who are on the up and up

We began the night with Huddy. He’s a newer artist but definitely one to keep an eye on. He started his journey back in early 2021, riding the wave of TikTok success. Huddy brought a level of energy you could feel throughout the venue. His strong vocals and emotional lyrics hit hard. He didn’t just perform; he interacted with the crowd the entire time, from handshakes and eye contact to letting the audience sing parts of the songs. Huddy was an incredible way to kick off the night.

Beauty School Dropout came in with something to prove and left no room for doubt. From the second they hit the stage, it was loud, fast, and full of personality. Their sound had that perfect mix of pop-punk grit and polished energy that just pulls you in.

What really stood out was how tight their connection with the crowd was. You could feel it in every lyric, every shout, every beat that hit just right. Their opener had everyone moving, and they didn’t let up once.

If anyone came into the venue not knowing who they were, they definitely left with a new favorite. Beauty School Dropout didn’t just play a set — they made a statement.

If Not For Me was the surprise of the night — the kind of set that makes you stop and pay attention. Heavy, aggressive, and full of heart, they hit the stage with a sound that caught the whole venue off guard in the best way possible.

Once they got going, it was impossible not to get pulled in. Their mix of metalcore intensity and raw emotion had the crowd fired up and moving. Even after I wrapped up my photo duties, I stuck around at the barricade just to take it all in.

They weren’t just loud — they were tight, focused, and intentional. It felt like they came to prove a point, and honestly, they did. I left with a couple new favorites and added them straight to my playlist. Definitely a band I’ll be keeping on my radar.

Arrows in Action brought a vibe that felt like a party and a therapy session all at once. From the moment they stepped on stage, it was high energy, non-stop movement, and nothing but good vibes.

They leaned into the fun, tossing beach balls into the crowd and rocking coordinated outfits that tied their whole aesthetic together. It was creative, it was chaotic in the best way, and it was clear they weren’t just performing — they were connecting.

But beyond the theatrics, they brought solid vocals, catchy hooks, and a chemistry that made their set feel effortless. It was refreshing to see a band have that much fun on stage while still sounding that polished.

Arrows in Action didn’t just play songs — they turned the venue into a full experience.

Rain City Drive came in with purpose and delivered a set that reminded everyone exactly why they’ve built the following they have. With their latest single “Ride or Die” dropping just a week before the show, the timing couldn’t have been better.

The energy in the room shifted the second they hit the stage. You could feel how much Chicago had been waiting for them — the crowd was loud, locked in, and singing every word.

What stood out most was the balance between their newer material and their earlier work. They weren’t just here to perform; they were here to level up and show they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Rain City Drive brought the emotion, the energy, and the kind of performance that stays with you long after the night ends.

Taylor Acorn’s set was one of those moments where you just stop and take it all in. Her voice was effortless, powerful, and honestly kind of hypnotizing. She had the kind of tone that fills a room and makes you feel like she’s singing directly to you.

What really stood out was how naturally she connected with the crowd. From reacting to signs to giving out high fives, she made everyone feel included. You could tell she wasn’t just there to perform. She was there to be present and share something real.

Hearing her live for the first time was everything I hoped for. Taylor didn’t just deliver vocally. She created a moment, and that’s what makes a set unforgettable.

Charlotte Sands closed out the night in a way only she could. From the second she stepped on stage, the energy shifted. Her presence was bold, her vocals were powerful, and every second felt like it meant something.

As a photographer, she gave us gold. From dramatic poses to split-second moments that, if you blinked, you’d miss, it was nonstop. Musically, her range was incredible. She held strong vocals while moving across the stage, giving everything to the performance without ever letting up.

One of the most powerful parts of her set was when she took a moment to speak from the heart. She talked about her journey, her gratitude, and how none of it would be possible without the people around her and the fans that show up. It felt honest and personal, like she was letting everyone in.

Charlotte Sands didn’t just end the night. She gave it a send-off that reminded us all why we show up for live music in the first place.