Marina Bravo
Arts Editor
Arcadia Grey and Leisure Hour rocked their show on Sept. 4 at The Haven in Pomona. With doors opening at around 7 p.m., The Haven became the home for the Midwest emo and alternative rock lovers.
The night opened with supporting acts from Townies, Stereosity and Mint Green.
Around 60 people were in attendance, some even coming from nearby cities like El Monte and Los Angeles. Some guests even traveled from Indiana.
Each band played about an equal amount of songs. Each set being at least five songs long. With each band showcasing their own unique sound and lyrics that reflected their own stories and identities.
The three piece band Townies was the first act to take the stage. With vocals from Tom Lynch the lead singer and guitarist opening up the night. Promoting their new EP “Speak With Your Chest.”
The next act was the four member band Stereosity. With a twinkle dreamy guitar driven sound the Orange County band immersed the audience. They played some unreleased songs and even a song for all the pet and specifically dog lovers called “Manny, Manny!” They ended with their song called “Cocaine Bear” which was officially released in July after the band played it at shows for some time.
Arcadia Grey took the stage with a guitar shred that came all the way from Chicago.
The three piece band delivered energetic music that got the crowd to mosh and meow. Their music explored themes about gender identity, specifically about what it’s like to be transgender.
The song “Her name engraved” which told the aftermath of a transgender woman’s funeral and how even after she is gone no one will truly remember her name. How her family members will rummage through her belongings but forget her name.
Mint Green, the four piece band from Boston, took the stage and opened with their song “Foggy.” Their music also took guests on an artistic journey of singing and dancing.
The lead vocalist Ronnica opened up about her experience as a queer person of color and created a space full of love and acceptance.
Leisure Hour closed out the night with their energetic set and had guests on their feet even if it was 10:45 p.m. They played their song “jenny” which had some guests singing their hearts out.
“We’ve been listening to the song “jenny” all summer…and it’s definitely our summer song for sure,” Kam Casey from Indiana said.
Casey came to the show with his friend Eva and spoke about how important it is to do spontaneous things in life.
“We just love a side quest, because you never know what you might find,” Casey said. “You…might find a new favorite song, new favorite band…you just never know.”
Which is exactly what had happened that night. He said he had only come to the show to see Leisure Hour but he is leaving with so many new anthems to add to his “Midwest emo summer” playlist.
Casey also shared the magic that is going to small artist shows and venues. Especially one with an environment like The Haven. A theme common with many guests that attended the event.
“It’s just really awesome to just come here and…feel,” Jazlyn Jacobo from El Monte said. “You feel very connected and it just hits all the feels.”
Jacobo shared how she always comes to DIY shows. She shared how her experience at DIY shows is what keeps her coming back is the sense of community.
“You’re in a safe space and you just know who you’re with,” Jacobo said.
Not only do the fans feel this sort of connection but so do the artists themselves. Stereosity shared how they prefer small DIY venues.
“It’s more intimate, you know, you get to know all the people that you’re sharing your art with and your music with,” Sam Krones, lead vocalist and guitarist from Stereosity said.
“It’s so intimate, you really get to experience the music and the live performance as it was meant to be,” guitarist Jack Carone said. “There’s a kind of disconnect when you’re sitting in, like a huge stadium….”
Krones even encouraged those who have never been to a small local show like this to give it a try.
Whether it be for one band, a song or just a spontaneous adventure, there is no doubt that a concert at a DIY venue is something many individuals cross off their bucket list.
“There is a sense of community coming to.. a DIY show that you don’t get anywhere else,” Hunter Leibee, drummer of Stereosity said.
The Haven became a space for all music lovers to come together and form a community. The next show at the venue will be Tv Sundaze with The Knopf at 7 p.m. Sept. 13.
Marina Bravo can be reached at marina.bravo@laverne.edu.
Marina Bravo is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations. She is arts editor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times, and has previously served as a staff writer and photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. She enjoys going to live shows and everything spooky.
Vicente Rodriguez is a senior photography major with a marketing minor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times. He has previously served as photography editor of the Campus Times and a staff photographer for La Verne Magazine.
