An Unforgettable Night: Nightly at the Gothic Theater
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
On Saturday, October 21st, the Gothic Theater in Englewood, CO welcomed the Nashville-based band Nightly, composed of the talented trio: frontman Jonathan Capeci, guitarist Joey Beretta, and drummer Nicholas Sainato. My introduction to Nightly came last summer through TikTok when a video promoting their song "hate my favorite band" popped up on my "For You" page. The catchiness of their music led me to save their tracks on Spotify and gradually evolve into a devoted fan. Though they had announced tour dates previously, I missed the opportunity to catch them live as I was living in Portland, OR at the time, and there were no nearby dates.
Fortunately, with the release of their second album, Nightly revealed a 2023 tour that included a stop in my new home state of Colorado. Without hesitation, I secured a ticket and made my way to Englewood to experience the show.
The doors swung open around 6:10 pm, and the Gothic Theater swiftly filled with enthusiastic fans of the band. As per usual, my first stop was the merchandise booth, where I hoped to grab a memento of the show. I only wished there was something with the tour dates on it. Nevertheless, the merchandise, designed for both Nightly and the opening acts, showcased remarkable creativity from a designer's perspective.
The show began at around 7 pm, with the first opener, 'Nightbreakers,' taking the stage. I had not previously encountered their music, but I quickly found myself dancing along and thoroughly enjoying their performance. The lead singer, Zakk Giordano, expertly kept the crowd engaged, and the chemistry among the band members was palpable. As the opening act, Nightbreakers had already ignited the crowd for the evening.
Nightbreakers on stage at Gothic Theater in Englewood, CO
Following Nightbreakers was Ohio-based pop-punk sensation 'Knox.' Though unfamiliar with his music, it was evident that he had a dedicated fanbase in the crowd. Knox's captivating performance had the audience singing and dancing to his tunes, making it feel as though he was the main act rather than an opener. The energy in the venue only continued to rise.
As Knox exited the stage, it was only a matter of time before Nightly graced the platform. The stage was adorned with props, including a park bench, telephone booth, and mailbox, which would later serve as part of Jonathan's stage presence.
Knox on stage at Gothic Theater in Englewood, CO
As the lights dimmed at 8:45, Joey and Nicholas took the stage, with Jonathan following behind, stopping at the telephone booth and playfully "dialing" a number before launching into "wear your heart out."
Throughout the night, Nightly took the audience on an emotional roller coaster, ranging from edgier tracks like "Shirt" to the nostalgia-inducing hit "Dirty White Chucks." Their setlist artfully balanced energetic numbers like "it's not your body" and "like I do" with soulful and reflective pieces such as "dry eyes" and "older." Poignant songs like "pink starburst" and "love somebody" connected deeply with the audience, and the night concluded on a high note with the viral hit, "hate my favorite band." The setlist perfectly showcased Nightly's versatility and their profound connection with their fans.
After the show, I had the privilege of speaking with both Nightbreakers and Knox, expressing how much their performances resonated with me and how they had gained new fans in the process. They were incredibly genuine and grateful, deserving all the support they received from opening for Nightly.
The night came to a close with the opportunity to meet and chat with Jonathan, Joey, and Nicholas. I conveyed to them how exceptional their set had been and how much I, as a casual fan, had thoroughly enjoyed the show.
In the end, the night at the Gothic Theater was a testament to the power of live music and the undeniable connection that Nightly shares with their dedicated fanbase. Their soulful and energetic performance, combined with a carefully curated setlist, left a lasting impression on all who attended. From the opening chords of "wear your heart out" to the anthemic conclusion of "hate my favorite band," Nightly took us on a journey of emotion and connection that transcended the confines of the stage.
Not only did Nightly shine, but the opening acts, Nightbreakers and Knox, left an unforgettable mark on the evening, winning over new fans with their passionate performances. This concert was a reminder of the beauty of live music, the magic of discovering new artists, and the joy of connecting with fellow music enthusiasts. As the night came to a close, and I had the opportunity to personally express my appreciation to the members of Nightly, it was evident that this experience was a special moment for both the audience and the artists. It was a night filled with unforgettable melodies and genuine connections, a night that will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to be a part of it.