Philadelphia’s Theatre of Living Arts belonged to indie-pop trio Nightly last Saturday night. In celebration of their third album songs to drive to, the group is headlining their biggest venues to date. “We live in Nashville now, but we grew up here,” lead singer Jonathan Capeci says to a beaming crowd, full of cowboy hats and paper cups. He continues, “This is less of a hometown show and more of a homecoming for us.”
From the band’s establishment nearly 9 years ago, venues like TLA, New York City’s Webster Hall, and even Nashville’s Ryman seemed out of reach. But after building a loyal fanbase with their consistently solid and ever-growing discography, it only made sense to return to Philadelphia with a renewed sense of gratitude – something they never forget to take with them each time they visit.
For years now, Nightly has branded their Spotify bio as “songs to drive to”, and it was only a matter of time until the phrase became a permanent namesake. Like the main character in a movie, a drive through a tunnel in the back of a pickup truck, sunsets and rooftops, Nightly never fails to make audiences feel something.
The front row knew every word when the guys began with “tv shows,” aptly the first song of the set and the first track of the album, as well. Set dressing was simple: just the kit, a keyboard, a mic stand or two and a whole lot of haze. From then on, “the feeling,” and “hate my favorite band” picked up the tempo as the crowd danced along. For casual listeners, they sprinkled in a few covers – one of which was Sixpence None The Richer’s classic “Kiss Me” with an “Espresso” outro.
For the Writer’s Rounds interlude of the show, the acoustic choices included an oldie, “No Vacancy,” the fourth track off of their very first EP Honest. A popular practice in Music City, the band brought a little bit of Nashville to Philadelphia. Will Linley joined Nightly for a portion of the East Coast run. The band sent Linley off with the biggest pizza “for the biggest boy” that money could buy – well, at least on the block. Rounding out the set with fan favorites like “the movies” and “Twenty Something,” the night ended with the E-A-G-L-E-S chant in true Philadelphia fashion.
With a handful of dates left, and supported by acts like Brooke Alexx, Mico, Molly Grace, and more, Nightly’s “live on tour 2025” is one you won’t want to miss. It was a pleasure to see them light up the stage in Philadelphia, and the city eagerly awaits their next homecoming visit.
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