There are moments in life when things just come together – the people, the place, the music, and the message. Special moments created when these things align and a magical experience is produced.That’s just what happened Wednesday night at the awe-inspiring Sixth & I historic synagogue in Washington DC where New Found Glory and special guest – Leanna Firestone took the stage.
In an unconventional venue filled with history, a true sense of spirit, warmth, and charm, fans were ready for a concert event they would never forget. First to take the stage was singer-songwriter Leanna Firestone. The possible lovechild of Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift, a beautiful mix of punk rock and storytelling, wrapped in one incredible human with a soulful voice and honest delivery, you couldn’t help but become an instant fan. Leanna treated the audience to songs like “Google Translate,” “Least Favorite Only Child,” “God and the Government,” and an unreleased song “Tourniquet,” while providing the audience with a raw insight on events in her life that had inspired several of her songs. The set was endearing, genuine, and a perfect way to start the evening.
Next it was time for the men of the hour, punk rock icons, New Found Glory. While fans may have been used to a different type of New Found Glory performance in the past, for this tour – in support of their latest acoustic album, things were a little different. But then again, there has been a lot of change for the band over the past year and a half.
In the wake of guitarist Chad Gilbert’s rare cancer diagnosis the band took a moment to realign themselves.Their latest release, Make The Most of It, offers seven brand new tracks along with seven live acoustic versions of fan favorites. The band wants this album to portray what it means to grieve, to live and to approach every day with appreciation and a sense of fulfillment. And that message was brought to life Wednesday night.
Taking the stage with all but lead singer, Jordan Pundik, seated – the band leaned in on the intimate feel of the venue and songs, starting with the raw and powerful song “Take Me Home.” Fans were also treated to hits like “My Friends Over You,” “All Downhill From Here,” and “Too Good to Be True,” along with covers like Christina Perri “A Thousand Years,” and ending their set with a cover of the Goo Goo Dolls smash “Iris.” The night had all of us elder-emo’s in pop punk euphoria!
Catch New Found Glory as they continue up and down the east coast through the end of March, and make sure to stream Make The Most of It on your favorite services!
Words & Photos: Front Rail Photography/Amanda Daubert