KATTFEST @ Lucky Star Casino Amphitheatre - El Reno, Oklahoma
August 22nd 2026: KATTFEST @ Lucky Star Casino Amphitheatre - El Reno, Oklahoma
KATTFEST | Photos Courtesy of: Ally Arens
In celebration of over 50 years as a station, Oklahoma City’s local rock radio mainstays, The Katt, hosted their annual KATTFEST at Lucky Star Casino in Concho, just outside of El Reno, OK, bringing together music fans of all ages in the pursuit of rock and roll. The day-long extravaganza featured acts from multiple sub-genres of the rock umbrella, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Kicking off the show was Atrus, a local metal band from Oklahoma City who had won the station’s local Battle of the Bands to earn their spot on the KATTFEST stage. They had a unique energy and got the show started with a bang.
The next two sets were those that I was personally most excited for - Eva Under Fire and Mothica. By performing this show, Eva Under Fire was able to finally break a multi-show curse of having their OKC shows cancelled by their respective headliners at the last minute, and it was worth the wait. As the opening notes of “Awakening” rang through the amphitheatre, Amanda’s powerful vocals echoed and captivated all within earshot. Their latest album Villainous was the focal point, though they made sure to include a couple of throwbacks like “Heroin(e)” and “Blow” as well, ensuring that they would be welcomed back to OKC any time.
Mothica’s appearance at the festival was special as well, as she was born in Tulsa, OK and grew up in the OKC area, and the show was her first hometown performance in a few years. Though her sound is overall a bit poppier than the typical KATT listener may be used to, the station has shown her lots of love over the years on their Local Talent Show segment highlighting the plethora of talent in the state, and she absolutely rocked it. Plus, her latest EP Somewhere in Between is some of the heaviest music she’s released thus far, proving that “rock-ica” deserves her place on the KATTFEST stage. Mothica is currently on the road supporting Jutes - her upcoming shows can be found here.
The next two acts brought their own flair to the stage as well - Ayron Jones and Sleep Theory. Ayron Jones is a southern-rock trio hailing from Seattle, WA, and they brought some soul to the stage with tracks like “Blood in the Water,” “Boys From Puget Sound,” and “Filthy.” They also channelled their Seattle roots with a Nirvana cover, switching up the vibes a bit and bringing some groove and soul to the festival. Meanwhile, Sleep Theory had the unfortunate luck of playing while the sun wrought its fiercest rays of the day yet, but their energy was incredible as they played through some of their hits from their latest album Afterglow like “Fallout” and “Words are Worthless”, as well as their breakout single “Numb.” However, none got the crowd quite as amped up as their rendition of the *NSYNC classic “Bye Bye Bye” - a live staple of theirs that finally got the studio treatment this summer.
Though I was beginning to question my life choices by this point in the day as the sun sweltered on, there was still much more to come as co-headliners I Prevail and Chevelle were still on the way. I Prevail are no strangers to the KATTFEST stage, having played alongside Godsmack, Bad Omens, and others at the event’s 2023 edition. Despite their lineup shifts since then, with the departure of co-vocalist Brian Burkheiser, guitarist Dylan Bowman has stepped up to the plate, holding his own against the brutal screams of Eric Vanlerberghe. Their career-spanning set ranged from their breakout cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” to newer hits like “Violent Nature” and “Into Hell,” cementing their place as metalcore badasses. Chevelle, on the other hand, got off to a touch of a rough start when an unexplained technical issue ground their set to a halt after their second song. Thankfully, this was short-lived, and the opening notes of “An Island” roared a few minutes later. Despite the technical difficulties, they sounded phenomenal as they offered the first taste of their latest stage show, set to accompany them alongside Breaking Benjamin throughout the US shortly. Overall, KATTFEST was an incredible day full of amazing people and amazing music, offering a great escape from daily life for a few hours.
Sleep Theory
Mothica
I Prevail
Eva Under Fire
Chevelle
Ayron Jones
Atrus
Rock en Seine @ Domaine National de Saint Cloud - Paris, France
August 26th-30th 2026: Rock en Seine @ Domaine National de Saint Cloud - Paris, France
Sombr - Photos Courtesy of: Manon Pothin
Rock en Seine, one of France’s most famous festivals, took place from August 26th to August 30th for yet another memorable edition. Over the span of five days, 175,000 festivalgoers gathered to the grounds of Domaine de Saint Cloud for over 70 artists spanning different genres.
Day 1 - 26th August 2026
The first day of the festival may have started with a smaller lineup, having only five artists spread across two of the stages; it started with a bang nonetheless.
French artist Miki kicked off the festivities on the main stage, with her electro-pop sounds and an impressive set design consisting of a giant scorpion. Her stage presence was undeniable, making sure she possessed the entire catwalk and up the barricades. One unforgettable moment was her standing in the middle of the crowd to perform her song “Particule,” as fans ran in circles around her. She ended her set accompanied by her own Spider-Man, announcing her headline show at Le Zénith de Paris next November.
Ravyn Lenae then took over the main stage, bringing a different, but just as mesmerising, energy. With scaffolding on stage, Ravyn was captivating as she performed songs like “In & Out” or her massive hit “Love Me Not.” On the festival’s other stage, people got to watch French Quarter AMG, R&B artist Magi Merlin, or Sekou’s soul sounds. To make the day even better, JAIN made a surprise appearance for two performances during which she interpreted songs off her next album.
Transforming the main stage into New York, the new sensation Sombr performed for a little over an hour to dedicated fans. Many lucky ones even got to share a special moment with the artist, as he walked down the barricade to hug as many people as he could and even took the time to doodle a tattoo for a fan.
It was finally turn for Tyler The Creator’s performance. With pyrotechnics and amazing stage presence, the artist closed the day with a massive bang, leaving fans in awe.
Day 2 - 27th August 2026
Thursday started well with the Irish rising sensation Florence Road, who previously opened for Wolf Alice. The band drew a crowd on the main stage despite being the first performers of the day, getting everyone to dance and sing along, whether they were longtime fans or just discovering them. On the other stages, fans had to choose between Jean Dawson’s experimental pop and Changeline’s hyperpop.
Just as Noga Erez stepped on the main stage, the weather then took a turn with a massive downpour. No amount of rain would stop the dedicated fans from showing up: the festival’s grounds soon became a sea of umbrellas, people wearing raincoats and trash bags alike to brave the weather—a true festival experience, after all.
By the time DJO came onstage, the rain had died down, and the energy was as high as ever. The Stranger Things actor closed off his performance with his hit song “The End of Beginning” just as the sun set, creating a perfect moment for his fans.
All the way across the festival was the performance of Sam Quealy, a techno-pop artist from Australia. Mixing the aesthetics of 2000s pop and drag performances, the singer gave an electrifying show along with her dancers, one you could not take your eyes away from.
Finally, it was time for Lorde’s performance. Just a few months after her headline show in the French capital, the singer was as great as ever as she performed songs from her first and last albums alike, to the cheers of the crowd.
Day 3 - 28th August 2026
The last-minute cancellation of CMAT’s performance due to illness did not tarnish the day as the Irish band Kingfishr took over at the main stage. Kingfishr, who released their first album a year ago, already proved themselves ready to take on huge crowds. Eddie Keough, the lead singer, immediately connected with the public, walking along the barricade and sharing handshakes with them during “I Cried, I Wept.”
Further away across the festival, Biffy Clyro stepped on the Boursobank stage for their performance. The Scottish band, formed back in 1995 and a staple in rock music, delivered a powerful show to an ecstatic crowd.
Back on the main stage, it was then time for Wet Leg to take over. Lead singer Rhian Teasdale’s stage presence is no joke, capturing the entire crowd’s attention the minute she appeared from the fog. Despite a slow start, the hype only got better, especially as they performed their hit “Wet Dream,” from their eponymous first album. Soon enough, it seemed like the entire festival was here to watch their show. To make things even better, multiple sign language interpreters were present on stage, rendering the show accessible for everyone.
The Black Keys took their place shortly after, accompanied by four other musicians. The blues band captivated the audience, with a setlist ranging from their hit song “Lonely Boy” to covers from The Strooges or Willie Griffin.
Away from the main stage, Franz Ferdinand performed to a crowd of dedicated fans, many brandishing signs showcasing their love. With a theatrical entrance and an energetic, bouncy performance, the band put on an incredible show.
Tucked away on the smaller stage, TTSSFU, whose real name Tasmin Nicole Stephens, performed her shoegaze and dreampop songs. Despite a timid start to her set, the singer rapidly gained confidence thanks to an encouraging and cheerful crowd.
Finally, the main event of the day came on stage: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The legendary singer chose Rock en Seine as the closing show of his long tour, and what better place than with the dedicated French fans?
Day 4 - 29th August 2026
If one thing’s for sure, it’s that Saturday was placed under the sign of mosh pits.
Starting with Mannequin Pussy under the rain, the energy only got higher and higher throughout the day. French metal band Novelists played on the Boursobank stage. Stepping on stage with a bright pink corset and glittery makeup, lead singer Camille Contreras’s stage presence is no joke as she delivers powerful vocals. Between the pyrotechnics and the surprise appearance of Landmvrks’s lead singer, their set was nothing short of memorable.
Back on the main stage, the Lambrini Girls left a huge impression at Rock en Seine. Using their platform to denounce the rise of fascism, the band reminded everyone what punk truly means. Soon enough, several mosh pits and walls of death took place in the muddy grounds of Saint-Cloud, truly setting the tone of the day.
After the lead singer’s brief appearance with the Novelists, it was Landmvrks’ time to shine on the big stage. The tone was set before they even stepped on, with two giant statues positioned on each side of the stage. Mixing impressive visuals on the screen and a use of pyrotechnics, the French band gave a powerful show. They ended their set by announcing they would be opening for Papa Roach for their show in France, rejoicing metal fans.
Three years after their last performance at Rock en Seine, Amyl & the Sniffers came back, on the main stage this time. Lead singer Amy Taylor owned the stage, never once stopping for a break and delivering a performance worthy of riot grrrl predecessors.
Before Deftones’s performance, it felt like most of the festival showed up for the sensational Turnstile. Almost a year after their sold-out headline show in the French capital, fans were impatiently waiting for the band’s performance, from grown men to small kids. As soon as the place lit up with their trademark colourful screen, the excitement was all over the place, and soon enough the place was filled with crowdsurfers and mosh pits.
Day 5 - 30th August 2026
Sunday was without a doubt the longest-awaited day of Rock en Seine. With tickets sold out months in advance, the place was filled with people brandishing merch T-shirts for the festival’s main event: The Cure. With hours to go before the show, though, people had an array of choices and plenty of artists to see.
Just a day before his own headline show at Le Point Ephemere, Love Spells made a quick stop at the festival. Breaking into splits just as he got on stage, the dream pop American singer delivered a captivating performance, with impeccable stage presence and great engagement with the public. From his real name, Sir Taegen C’aion Harris, Love Spells has everything needed to make it big.
Slowdive, considered veterans of the shoegaze genre, performed on the main stage before being replaced by Interpol.
As the day went on, the main stage started filling up in anticipation of The Cure, and when it was finally time for the band to step on stage, the place was buzzing with anticipation. Finally, the British rock giants arrived to the cheers of the entire place. Robert Smith took his time at the beginning of the set, walking from one end of the stage to another—it seemed as though the singer was locking eyes with every one of his fans, demonstrating a shy but grateful entrance. The Cure then went on to perform for over two hours and close to 30 songs, ending the 2026 edition of the festival on a wonderful note.
All in all, Rock en Seine’s 2026 edition once again proved why the festival has become such a staple. Despite the bad weather, fans and performers alike showed up and created five days full of impeccable ambience and great memories.
Motionless in White @ The Zoo Amphitheatre - Oklahoma City, OK
August 11th 2026: Motionless in White, Lorna Shore, Fit For a King @ The Zoo Amphitheare - Oklahoma City, OK
Motionless in White | Photos Courtesy of: Ally Arens
Heavy music veterans Motionless in White are in the midst of the first leg of their Sweat and Blood tour across North America, bringing their theatricality and energy to stages across the country alongside fellow heavyweights Lorna Shore, Fit For a King, and Static Dress. When the tour came through Oklahoma City’s Zoo Amphitheatre for Motionless’ largest headliner in the city yet, they emphasized the “sweat” of “sweat and blood” by playing on an outdoor stage in the midst of a several-day 100+ degree day heatwave, but that didn’t stop fans from showing up in droves and making the show memorable for all in attendance.
First to take the stage, a half-hour earlier than originally scheduled, was Static Dress. Hailing from the UK, the band, fronted by vocalist Olli Appleyard, got the crowd amped up with tracks such as “Nostalgia Kills,” “...hospice,” and “human props.” Though I was not super familiar with them before the show, I thought they set the tone for the evening very nicely and look forward to seeing what’s next.
Next up was Fit For a King, who absolutely scorched the already scorching stages as they launched their set with “Backbreaker” and recent single “Blood Pact,” followed by the melodic, anthemic “Begin the Sacrifice.” Between vocalist Ryan Kirby’s powerful vocals and bassist Tuck O’Leary’s constant jumping and guitar-spinning, their performance was extremely captivating. Having seen FFAK once before with Motionless on the Dark Horizon tour back in 2023, I can confidently say that both bands were outstanding then and have only gotten better since.
The final support act was probably one of the buzziest heavy bands of late, Lorna Shore, fronted by the enigmatic Will Ramos. The crowd got hyped as soon as the first riffs of “To The Hellfire” rang through the amphitheatre, and did not let up for the entirety of their 45-minute set. Though Ramos’ intense growls are not for the faint of heart, they certainly captured the crowd’s attention, and I can understand why fans of more hardcore music have been gravitating towards them, even if it’s not necessarily what I would personally go out of my way to reach for.
At long last, just before 9 p.m., the sun had finally set, offering some temperature relief - though this would not last far into Motionless’s set, as their ample pyrotechnics heated things back up. Launching with “Sign of Life” from 2024’s Scoring the End of the World, Chris Motionless and co. brought their unmistakable energy that fans old and new have come to love over the band’s 20-year career, and did not slow down once. Going into the evening, I would be lying if I hadn’t been concerned about the concert possibly having to be postponed after hearing of a shortened setlist due to Chris feeling ill at their Utah show on August 7. If I hadn’t seen chatter of that beforehand, though, I wouldn’t have known anything different, as the entire band sounded nothing short of phenomenal.
As the band recently dropped their latest album Decades, and have been reflecting on their beginnings to now, their whopping 19-track setlist was an amazing mixture of old & new, going all the way back to “Abigail” from their debut full-length to newest singles “Afraid of the Dark,” “Playing God,” and “R.I.P,” along with their devilishly fun cover of “Sunglasses at Night.” As someone who has now seen Motionless in White live four times, I can say with confidence that there is no one out there putting on a show quite like them. From vocals that can go from vicious to soothingly melodic in a second, ripping guitars and drums, along with stunning choreography from the Cherry Bombs, the current MIW stage show is a truly unique and wonderful sight to behold.
Though leg one of the Sweat and Blood tour has concluded, leg two picks up just before Halloween in Worcester, MA. All upcoming shows can be found on Motionless’ website, and check out Decades wherever you get your music.
Lorna Shore
Fit For a King
Hilary Duff @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia, PA
August 9th 2026: Hilary Duff @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia, PA
Hilary Duff | Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
A Millennial’s Dream would be the best way to describe the Hilary Duff concert experience. Arriving at the show, the crowd was full of superfans dressed in classic 90’s looks and costumed characters spanning Duff’s film and TV career. In a way, the show felt like a reunion (and I’m not just saying that, as I know the majority of the ladies I've known throughout my life were in attendance). Welcoming us to a cosy, pink-carpeted stage, filled with comforting neon glows, cityscapes, and sparkles, Hilary took the stage to the eager screams of fans awaiting her return to the spotlight. Even though this Lucky Me tour highlighted her return to music in support of her latest album, Hilary did not leave out the songs that we all know and love from our childhoods. There was something extremely comforting about this show that I haven’t felt in a while. Between the clips of Hilary highlighting her family and snippets of her growing up on TV, her kids running out to hug her at the end of the set, and the Citywide and vintage Aaron Carter t-shirt. The show just felt like a warm hug, reminding us of the better times of the 90’s/early 00’s
Setlist
Wake Up (With extended intro and elements of "Mature")
So Yesterday
Roommates
Weather for Tennis
The Math
Breathe In. Breathe Out.
Sparks (Shortened)
Future Tripping
With Love (with excerpts of "Dreamer")
Beat of My Heart
You, from the Honeymoon
Anywhere but Here
Growing Up
Fly (Extended Intro)
Holiday Party
We Don't Talk
Why Not
Adult Size Medium
Come Clean
Mature
What Dreams Are Made Of
5 Seconds of Summer @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion - Camden, NJ
August 8th 2026: 5 Seconds of Summer, The Band Camino @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion - Camden, NJ
5 Seconds of Summer | Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
The Band Camino
Tame Impala @ Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia, PA
July 15th 2026: Tame Impala, Djo @ Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia, PA
Tame Impala | Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
For the first time since 2022, Tame Impala returned to Philly’s Xfinity Mobile Arena on July 11th 2026. Taking up 2 stages in the centre of the arena, the massive room was packed and full of one of the best light, laser, and strobe shows I’ve ever witnessed. Opening the show was none other than the star from the “Loser” music video, Joe Keery (aka Djo). Coming off his worldwide tour over the last year in support of his latest album. The Tame Impala setlist did not disappoint for fans new and old; there was a bit of everything. Including some fun bits like the solo B stage set by Kevin. Encased with a single overhead light at times that seemed like an alien abduction in a living room, Kevin performed “Ethereal Connection” and “Not My World”. There was also a brief intermission where the camera followed Kevin off stage, then backstage to take a leak (yes, he did wash his hands) before returning to perform the remainder of the set.
Setlist
Apocalypse Dreams
Deadbeat Jam
Borderline
Loser
Breathe Deeper
Gossip
Elephant
Afterthought
Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
Dracula
No Reply
(Instrumental)
Stage B
Ethereal Connection
Not My World
Main Stage
Let It Happen
Nangs
Alter Ego
Yes I'm Changing
Eventually
New Person, Same Old Mistakes
Encore:
My Old Ways
The Less I Know the Better
End of Summer
Djo
Jack Harlow @ Andrew J. Brady Music Center - Cincinnati, Ohio
Jack Harlow | Photos Courtesy of Asia Austin
August 13th 2026: Jack Harlow @ Andrew J. Brady Music Center - Cincinnati, OH
Jack Harlow | Photos Courtesy of: Asia Austin
On August 13, 2026, Jack Harlow performed at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, OH. His ‘Monica Tour’ has been in full swing, and with it being his first album tour in four years, Harlow proved he’s better than ever. Opening the show with fan favorites from his Monica album such as “Prague”, “Trade Places”, and “Lonesome”, Harlow delivered a very charismatic and crowd-focused performance that showed confidence and warmth towards his fans.
With the help of his openers, Clockwork DJ and James Savage, Harlow proves that he’s able to carry an arena while also making personal connections that can be felt in the back of the room. His banter with the fans is disarmingly funny and is filled with easygoing relatability. And while showcasing he’s been all around the world, he manages to stay grounded by extending love and gratitude to his hometown of Louisville, KY.
The set mixes his biggest radio hits like “What’s Poppin”, “Industry Baby”, and “First Class” while also sprinkling in songs that are sacred to his true fans such as “Sundown”, “Warsaw” and “Ghost”. The production included a very simplistic stage setup with backup singers and a live band that allowed Harlow to deliver his infectious vocals and melodies at ease. There is no doubt that the fans were left buzzing, and Jack Harlow put on a show that easily matches his growing stature in both R&B and Hip-Hop.
James Savage
Tori Amos @ The Louisville Palace - Louisville, KY
Tori Amos | Photos courtesy of: Emily May
Beloved singer/songwriter/pianist/composer Tori Amos brought her In Times Of Dragons US Tour to The Louisville Palace on August 10th to a (what appeared to be) nearly sold-out crowd, touring in support of her recently released 18th studio album In Times Of Dragons. Seeing a long line of fans excitedly waiting outside for the doors to open this evening let me know I was in for a fun night! As the lights dimmed, alerting the crowd that Tori’s set was about to start, the crowd, restless for her to come out, celebrated in a roar of cheers and applause. Tori came out onto the stage, hands clasped and bowing to her fans, before sitting down on her piano bench. She sat with her piano in front of her and an electric keyboard behind her, switching between the two at several points throughout the evening. Early in the set, she let it be known that it was her longtime touring bassist Jon Evan’s birthday, which earned him cheers and applause from the crowd! She also has three backup singers with her on this tour, creating some beautiful harmonies!
Although many artists tour with the same set list every night, Tori plays a different one each night, leaving the fans to anticipate what she might play! No matter what the set list is, though, you can be guaranteed an incredible live experience. She plays the piano and sings like the musical prodigy that she is, with her set this evening being nothing short of mesmerising. Starting out the set with “Fire To Your Plain”, she and her band performed several songs this evening from the new album, including “Shush”, “Stronger Together”, and “In Times of Dragons”. Much to the crowd’s delight, she also performed some of her cherished classics, including “Winter” (I got a little teary-eyed hearing this live, as it’s always been one of my favorites), “Silent All These Years”, and “Precious Things”, with “Precious Things” signalling the end of the pre-encore set.
After briefly leaving the stage, Tori and her band came back out for their encore to a roar of applause! Starting the set off with “Cornflake Girl”, there was a brief pause in music for a birthday cake to be brought out for Jon Evans, with Tori leading the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday To You”. They then performed a cover of Solomon Linda’s original Evening Bird’s cover of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (the first time she’s played it live since 2014) and brought the evening to a close with “Pretty Good Year”. The evening was magical and full of a beautiful energy from the crowd, who clearly adore Tori and were having the best time hearing her perform. As a side note, whoever did Tori’s lighting deserves an award! It was stunning through her entire set, bathing her and her band in a kaleidoscope of colors. Baltimore indie-rock artist Bartees Strange opened the show this evening. Despite some early technical difficulties, he and the crowd took it all in stride, and he performed a great set that got the crowd warmed up for the evening.
Bartees Strange
