In an era of intense politics and social dynamics, a punk show is just what people need to mosh out tension and crowd-surf, to the venue’s dismay. Whether on a date or giving a middle finger to love, Valentine’s Day brought the company of Descendents and Frank Turner (with backing band The Sleeping Souls) to the House of Blues.
Opener NOBRO brought the same heat that won them a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year for ‘Set Your Pussy Free‘ in 2025: unapologetically powerful. The all-female group absolutely shredded in every sense, even bringing everyone into the performance through chants, cheers, and mic handouts—especially for “Eat Slay Chardonnay.” While only the second show on the tour, already their energy was perfectly in sync. Vocalist Kathryn McCaughey leapt across the stage, through the pit, and to the crowd, in her iconic bikini top at one point. At the end of their set, a lucky fan received the on-stage printout of the setlist, and the buzz was nonstop for these stars in the making.
Not only did everyone sing at full volume the entirety of every song, but Frank himself defied the explicit request from House of Blues not to crowd surf. It was the sprinkles on top of an already stellar set. Kicking off with “I Still Believe,” hits like “Photosynthesis,” “Recovery,” and “If Ever I Stray” amplified the already livened spirit of the room. Jumping around the stage, he drew the eye left, right, and center while still managing to hit the notes on his acoustic (though it posed a challenge to the photographers in the pit). The tonal change throughout the performance was balanced, from high highs to somewhat calmer tunes, with a few tour debuts—“I Am Disappeared,” “The Next Storm,” and “The Road.” While the majority of his time with the audience was rocking fun, he did take a moment to acknowledge the events occurring in Minneapolis due to ICE before returning to the jams. Closing with “Four Simple Words,” fans were left satisfied with their viewing but hungry for more.
The Descendents, opening with “Everything Sux,” presented Cleveland with yet another fast-paced, authentic show that made clear the ease with which the band plays together. True to their traditions, the stage was lit by white lights with a black curtain across the back. The focal point was the music…and lead singer Milo Aukerman’s studded water bottle. With many of their songs being quite short, they were able to pack twenty-nine songs into their main set alone. Classics like “I Don’t Want to Grow Up,” “Myage,” and “Clean Sheets” bolstered the already rowdy audience. A conveyor belt of crowd surfers went over the mosh pit while both young and mature folks alike headbanged along. They were sure to vocalize their views on the current administration and events occurring in the U.S., asking, “Who wants to be in America right now?”
Despite the injustices occurring, all were able to enjoy the night in an escape that didn’t ignore the realities but still focused on the present joy in the venue. The grins and banter between members, the dancing, and the shared singing of “Good Good Things” with the folks at the front of the pit. It was a collective experience for the fans and the artists. As expected, “I’m The One” and “Suburban Home” drew out any remaining shy attendees. Once “Smile” closed the set, Descendents were cheered back on for an encore of “Lucky,” “Grudge,” “Catalina,” and “Get the Time.” Four encore songs—another perk of their short tracks. It wasn’t only the crowd that was able to go home with souvenirs; many took home a limited-edition venue-specific signed tour poster, and Milo was able to take home a “Milo goes to Cleveland” t-shirt as well. They thanked us for giving them the time, and boy, did we thank them, too.
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