There’s something really special about seeing a band you’ve grown up with in a city that always shows up for them—and for me, that’s exactly what a night with The Summer Set in Chicago feels like.

Before the band even stepped on stage, a prerecorded message let us know the show was about to start—followed immediately by “Dancing Queen” blasting through the speakers. It was such a simple touch, but it did exactly what it needed to do: loosen everyone up, get people moving, and set the tone for a night that felt equal parts nostalgic and brand new.

They opened with “For the First Time,” and I don’t think I’ll ever get over hearing that song live. It’s one of my favorites off Meet Me at the Record Store, and something about the way it filled the room felt almost surreal—like hearing a song you’ve had on repeat suddenly come to life in front of you. Without missing a beat, they rolled straight into “I Don’t Wanna Party” and “The Girls You Do,” keeping the energy high and the crowd fully locked in.

And then—like every great band should—the set paused. Someone in the crowd passed out, and everything stopped until they were safely taken care of. Once it was clear they were okay, Brian Logan Dales lightened the mood the only way he knows how, joking that he could’ve sung it better anyway. It broke the tension instantly, but what stuck with me more was how intentional the band was about making sure everyone felt safe before jumping back in. When they restarted “The Night Is Young,” it felt like a reset in the best way.

From there, the night just kept building. A mashup of “Boomerang” with “I Want It That Way” (yes, really) somehow worked perfectly, and it was one of those moments where you just look around and realize everyone is having the time of their life. I’ve seen The Summer Set at minimum eight times over the years, and I can honestly say the energy on that stage felt different this time—bigger, freer, more confident.

At one point, Brian looked out and said, “Chicago, how are we doing tonight? I’m doing great ‘cause I’m in Chicago at my favorite venue in the world.” And it didn’t feel like a throwaway line—it felt genuine. That connection carried into a moment where he talked about Meet Me at the Record Store being their first full-length album in almost ten years, jokingly explaining what a “record store” even is before getting real about how proud they are of it. And they should be. As someone who’s been listening since 2010, this record feels like the most honest version of the band yet. It’s a no-skip album for me, and hearing those songs live only cemented that.

Still, they didn’t forget where they came from. Brian promised they’d take a trip down memory lane—but asked if it was okay to play some new songs first (obviously, the answer was yes). If there’s one thing he’s mastered over the years, it’s controlling a crowd. During “Street Lightning,” he had the entire room shouting “I can’t let go” back at him over and over until it was loud enough to satisfy him—and honestly, we would’ve kept going all night if he asked.

There were so many small, unforgettable moments woven throughout the set. Bringing out Madison from Senses to cover Chrissy Costanza’s parts on “Teenagers.” Swapping lyrics in “All My Friends” to “I promise this is the last time that I listen to you, Chicago,” only for the crowd to completely take over. Asking, “Chicago, do you remember this song?” before launching into “Girls Freak Me Out,” which turned into a whole moment when Stephen had to take over vocals while John played guitar from the opera box. Brian’s reaction? “Chicago, I’d like to introduce you to our apparent new singer… 20 years in a band and I didn’t know he could sing like that.”

The only time the energy dipped was when the songs asked it to—and that’s what made those moments hit even harder. “About a Girl” was one I never thought I’d hear live in 2026, and the mashup with “Iris” gave it a completely new life. It was one of those full-circle moments that reminded me just how long this band has been part of my life.

The acoustic section felt especially personal. Before playing “Legendary,” Brian shared the backstory—how it was inspired by How I Met Your Mother and how, underneath the silly lyrics, it’s really about loneliness. But standing there in a packed room in Chicago, he made it clear he wasn’t feeling lonely at all. And honestly, neither was I. That show has always been a comfort for me, so hearing that connection spelled out—and then getting to scream the final “da da da’s” with a room full of people—had me shedding a tear.

“ADIDAS” made its return to the setlist, which felt right considering it was the first taste we got of this new era back at Sad Summer Fest in 2024. And then there was “Flowers”—complete with someone handing Brian a bouquet mid-song, which he later tossed back into the crowd, sparking this chain reaction of fans passing them further and further back.

Even the moments between songs were intentional. Before the encore, another prerecorded message announced that the record store would be closing in 15 minutes, tying the entire theme of the album and tour together. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Summer Set show without “Chelsea.” The bit this time? Finding someone in the crowd actually named Chelsea to sing her part. The girl they picked literally pulled out her ID to prove it—and Brian was completely gagged.

At some point during all of this, I realized I hadn’t taken a single note. Which, if you know me, never happens. But I didn’t need to. I was so in it—so caught up in the moment—that I just let myself experience it.

The stage itself looked like a fully realized record store, complete with fuzzy rugs Brian has claimed are the comfiest things ever. The lights were perfectly synced to every beat, every drop, every shift in energy. And in between it all, Brian’s running commentary—his jokes, his little Chicago-specific moments—made the entire night feel personal in a way that’s hard to replicate.

I’ve been a fan of The Summer Set since 2010. They’ve been there through every version of me, and getting to see them live again—beyond just the occasional reply to my dumb Instagram comments—felt really special in a way that’s hard to put into words.

I may have lost my voice by the end of the night, but I’d do it again and again and again.

Because The Summer Set is that band.