Music fans in Rochester were shaking off the season’s first cold snap, and with a boost from LA-based prog-rock trio Out In Front, they quickly forgot about the chilly, damp weather. Hosted at the iconic Bug Jar, the night of November 13 delivered exactly what patrons had been hoping for.
Before OIF had the chance to crank up the energy, Orlando’s own Pretty Pity took the spotlight. In the cozy, sticker-plastered walls of the venue, vocalist Tani Jade delivered 40 minutes of powerful, hypnotic lyrics—like a lullaby and a lightning bolt rolled into one.
Drawing mostly from real-life experiences, Jade’s vocals hit with the confidence of someone who’s been doing this since birth. With her band backing her up, the steadily growing crowd got swept in—clapping overhead, waving cell phone lights, and doing their best to turn the tiny room into a tiny galaxy.
And every night, every night another fight
Trying to read between the lines
When I tell you I think it’s time
(To say goodbye, you cry)
Setlist: Punchline, PUSH, Dumb Game, Vertigo, Sweet Tooth, Crawl, O, Whiskey, Hate on Me
With Out in Front set to take the stage at 845, fans continued to meander to the back room of Bug Jar, staging themselves among the hundreds of band stickers that adorn the walls, as well the studio apartment decor that hangs upside down above them. Bug Jar definitely keeps your eyes in motion at every show, as patrons find a new piece of decor every night.
A few minutes behind schedule, vocalist Madie Renner silently stands on stage, as audio kinks are worked out and people are put into their places. The focus in her eyes, quick glances at family sitting nearby, and some deep breaths assure her of a great show. With the green light given, Renner proceeds to give the intimate crowd what they came for.
Fairly new to the scene, this LA based trio with ties to Rochester, has worked up quite a following. With Renner leading the charge, Isaiah Volk rocking the drums, and Ryen Wagner on bass, these young musicians deliver a personalized sound reminiscent of the early 2000’s pop rock, only edgier.
The set clocked in at just nine songs, which turned out to be the sweet spot—plenty to get everyone buzzing and begging for more, yet short enough that the older folks didn’t start checking their watches or wondering if their pajamas missed them.
One iconic venue + two young and hungry bands will always equal an amazing night with hopes for more. Pretty Pity and Out In Front came into Bug Jar quietly and left on a high, with new fans and a promise of glory days ahead.
Setlist: Float, Wake Up, Sugar We’re Going Down, Happy Graduation Day, In Another Life, Oxygen, Straight Up To Space, Forget July, Around We Go
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