After releasing their newest EP ‘Bruises’ on May 17, 2024, The Band CAMINO (TBC) embarked on their summer “Taking Shape” tour with 17 dates across the US. I was fortunate enough to experience the 14^th show at The Agora Theatre and Ballroom in Cleveland, OH on July 27, 2024.

My night began at the edge of the photo pit as we all awaited the entrance of Knox, who is opening for TBC on this tour. As I observed the room, the pre-show playlist continued to play in the background, when suddenly the entire venue was filled with the chants of a sold-out crowd screaming along to Hot to Go by Chappell Roan. It was during the chorus of Hot to Go that I realized this was about to be one of the most thrilling concerts I have ever attended. The energy of the whole venue was already buzzing with excitement, and it was only 6:45!

After the knockout performance from the opener Knox had concluded, the lights dimmed and the pre-show playlist had turned back on, leaving the crowd to anxiously await the entrance of TBC. By this point of the night, I had already befriended a few people in the crowd and other photographers, so it is safe to say that I was having a great night! There is nothing more heartwarming than getting to experience the thrill of live music with friends old and new! It was amazing how you could just tell that everyone in that crowd felt the same way, truly honored to be there. 

It was 9:30pm when The Band CAMINO took to the stage and started the night off with Nostalgia from their newest EP ‘Bruises’ followed by 1 Last Cigarette and Hush Hush from two of their previous albums. Looking back on the setlist from the night, there’s no doubt that TBC picked the best three songs to start the night off! The entire venue was locked in, hanging onto every lyric and each note as we were singing along with the band. Jeffery and Spencer sang it themselves best within the lyrics of their opening song Nostalgia,

“I hear that song I sing along it’s like a time machine” and we were all truly “in a forest of memories”. 

After playing the 8^th song on the setlist, Three Month Hangover, Jeffery paused and thanked everyone for coming out saying, “Cleveland, we are so happy to be here! Thank you all for coming out tonight!” It was so heartwarming to hear such genuine appreciation from the members of TBC! One thing is for sure, this band cares so much about every person that listens to their music, and every person who comes to their shows.

The most notable moments of The Band CAMINO’s set were brought to us not only when the music played, and you could see Jeffery and Spencer’s appreciation for each member of the crowd that finished the lyrics for them but also during the section of the set they referred to as the “acoustic moment’. 

TBC took the night a step further when they paused to talk to the crowd after playing the first song of their acoustic moment, Song About You. Jeffery took a moment to note how special the acoustic portion of the set has been on tour, thanking the crowd for the opportunity to really connect with them and mentioning that they have “missed getting to really let the walls down” which was why they loved their “acoustic moment” so much. Jeffery then allowed members of the crowd to suggest songs for them to play the acoustic version of until they play the last song of the “acoustic moment”, The Black and White.

Special shoutout to the members of the crowd that suggested TBC play the songs Less Than I Do, Know Me, TBC’s cover of Funeral by Phoebe Bridgers, and Berenstein. Getting to hear The Band CAMINO’s cover of Funeral by Phoebe Bridgers was such a special moment that really completed the intimate “walls down” atmosphere that TBC wanted to convey, an experience completely unique to tonight’s show. 

TBC continued with the set playing 2/14, one of their first songs from 2016 and their most popular song on Spotify. Not only is 2/14 loved by every TBC fan ever, it is also a very important song for me as it is the first song I showed to my best friend Madi Putty who happened to be born on Valentine’s day and was in the crowd with me at their show! During the ride back to our hotel Madi and I got to talking about how much we loved TBC’s performance because of the connection we share with their music and in her words, “how vibrant the energy of the whole venue was!” 

The Band CAMINO has been releasing their indie rock music since the release of their first EP My Thoughts On You in 2016 and with each new release they bring more energy and truth to their lyrics. During the show I had the opportunity to meet the lovely Olivia Free who has been a fan of TBC for years and this show was her third time seeing them live. When speaking with Olivia, as we reminisced on how we started listening to TBC and our past experiences seeing them live, she summed up the experience of the night so well with one sentence,

“The Band CAMINO’s energy is so contagious, it’s always unmatched, the acoustic set was beautifully authentic, and they are definitely my favorite band!” 

This was my second time seeing The Band CAMINO, the first being on their headline tour last year in Louisville with The Wldlfe opening for them. At that point in time, I had been listening to TBC since 2016 when I first heard 2/14 and I was so excited to see two of my favorite bands (TBC and The Wldlfe). Now, having seen TBC on two separate headlining tours, I can confidently say that TBC not only knows how to entertain a crowd, but also how to connect with the crowd on so many levels, bringing fans from across the Midwest together and fostering an environment for new friendships to blossom! 

As the night came to a close, the crowd began chanting, hooting, and hollering, urging the band members to return to the stage for a few more songs. During the encore, Jeffery expressed his gratitude for the community they had built over the past few years and reminded everyone to stay safe on their way home. TBC wrapped up the show with my personal favorite, Daphne Blue, leaving everyone in the crowd with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts.

The “Taking Shape” Tour 2024 still has a few shows left until the last show on August 4 in Charlotte, NC. I highly recommend that everyone takes the opportunity to see The Band CAMINO live on this tour, and their next tour! 

Setlist