WASHINGTON D.C. — Electric anticipation washed over the pit as audience members attempted to squeeze towards the stage inside of The Howard Theatre Feb. 13, 2023. The chatter quieted as the lights dimmed, then hoots and hollers erupted as 19-year-old Claire Rosinkranz fluttered onto the stage. 

The Californian singer-songwriter performed in Washington D.C. nearly halfway through her Just Because Tour, where she was joined by two other California-based groups, mehro and DWLLRS. The two openers were perfect in preparing the audience for Rosinkranz to take the stage. 

Although mehro performed solo, his calm ethereal presence commanded attention. The 23-year-old musician sang only a few songs. Despite the short set, mehro was interactive and ensured to relay the inspiration of each song prior to playing it. Additionally, he even took time after his set to take photos with multiple people in the pit. It was obvious he enjoyed connecting with the crowd and even more obvious that the crowd enjoyed connecting with him. 

Building on the energy that mehro left with the audience, DWLLRS’ exciting sound and engaging stage presence had the crowd jumping, dancing and singing. The group continued the interactions with the crowd, with lead singer Bren Eisman getting close to the crowd, taking people’s phones to record himself, and even asking one person for their bubble gun. They seemed comfortable being on that stage. It was thrilling to watch and personally made me excited for their future. 

Right as the crowd was getting antsy after mehro and DWLLRS’ powerful performances, Rosinkranz’s band one by one walked onto stage and acted out a short skit where each of them changed the radio that seamlessly segued into Rosinkranz’s entrance.

She began her set with iconic “Backyard Boy” that went viral on Tik Tok. For the rest of the show, she sprinkled in unreleased songs, recent releases, and some older tunes. Just like her openers, you could feel how the young singer and her band wanted to be there. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention how her father plays the bass for her band. As if this experience could not be sweeter, learning about this musical father-daughter duo was the icing on the cake. 

The entire night was extremely delightful and left me feeling optimistic for the future of live indie and pop music. It was so refreshing seeing people be so engaging with a crowd and seeing the crowd reciprocate. All three of the performers that night will be playing in bigger venues across the globe, and I cannot wait to feel their energy again.