The Oh Hellos had another homecoming performance at Stubbs April 7. On that chilly Saturday night, hundreds of concert-goers shuffled into the outdoor venue,  with dust beneath their feet. Despite the cold, The Oh Hellos managed to thaw the distraction of weather by bringing high spirits and full energy.

Story by Claire Starling

Photos by Rebecca Chen

Two opening acts performed before the Oh Hellos hopped onstage.  A newer artist by the name of Jay started the show. Jay rallied the audience using his animated personality and upbeat sound. The music played was a blend of rap, pop and country, creating a fun and interesting beginning to the night. Next up was Wildermiss, a band out of Denver, Colorado. The female lead singer had a melodious voice that provided a  backdrop to the band’s indie rock sound. Anticipation built when a backdrop rolled down against the stage, depicting Greek mythological images, reminiscent with the theme of the Oh Hellos newest album, Eurus.

When the Oh Hellos arrived, their enthusiasm only amplified the already excited crowd. There were clearly devoted fans in the audience as the noise grew louder with each person that entered the stage. Maggie and Tyler Heath, core members of the band, were accompanied by their large ensemble of musicians, each one more energetic than the next. The tone was set for a night filled with lively spirit.

Throughout the concert, The Oh Hellos brought their folk infused sound. With each song, the members of the band stomped and danced. Thrashing at drums and moving hips with violins, were just a couple of ways the musicians successfully entertained. The band was completely uninhibited and full of genuine vitality that felt contagious. So many of their songs were laced with themes of rejecting fears and embracing the gift of life. Their concert delivery matched their message. With each stomp and thrash was a release of tension, and with every whimsical dance-like movement was a celebration of joy.

 A dark stage accompanied each ending song, followed by several witty jokes as the band interacted  with the audience. The Oh Hellos played a well-distributed mix of old and new. Beginning with the song “Eurus” and ending on “I Have Made Mistakes” from their very first album. However, before officially ending the night, the violinist and the drummer both surfed the crowd in an utter commitment to excite everyone at Stubbs. Once the musicians faded away into sides of the stage, Maggie and Tyler remained center. “I Have Made Mistakes” was the final tune played that night. It’s disarmingly vulnerable lyrics accompanied by the simplicity of guitar and voice made a for a powerful moment to end on. The concert that the Oh Hellos brought, left the crowd with a sense of wonder and a thirst for a fuller life.