Smallpools, The Mowglis and Walk the Moon party at Showbox SoDo (Photos)

Walk The Moon at Showbox SoDo (Photo by Arlene Brown)

What do you get when you mix three hoppin’rockin’ bands, one incredibly packed house of frenzied fans, body paint, band members’ dogs, and a whole lot of energy?  You get a pretty awesome live music show on Wednesday night.  Even with fog completely engulfing Showbox SoDo, fans of all ages were dancing, jumping, singing, laughing inside.

First up was Smallpools, an LA band that is taking the Alt Music charts by storm with their single “Dreaming.”  Their new EP is out on iTunes.  They definitely hyped the crowd and got everyone ready for the second opening band.

Considering they were just here for Bumbershoot, The Mowgli’s didn’t need much of an introduction.  They rocked every single person there with their “Random Acts of Kindness” tour.  I have to say, this band is the epitome of why I love live music.

They not only took a group shot of the whole venue from the stage, they included their dog in the shot.  They stopped in the middle of “Carry Your Will” to have a heartfelt “feel the love” kind of moment with each other and the crowd.  Performing most of their new album “Waiting for the Dawn,” the crowd favorites were definitely “San Francisco,” “The Great Divide,” and “Emily.”

Oh, did I mention that not one but TWO of these crazy guys (Michael AND Colin) got in the mix of the crowd?  Yep.  We were feelin’ the love with The Mowgli’s.  You never know what’s going to happen when this band is on stage.  And I loved it!

Last but definitely not least, Walk the Moon.  If we didn’t think the crowd would get any more crazed, these Cincinnati natives ramped them up even more.  Sporting tribal face paint, they  played their self titled new album, with favorites “Anna Sun,” and “Tightrope.”   I’ll admit, I saw Walk the Moon last summer at Marymoor Park and part of Summer Camp.  Fell in love with them then.  But to see them in a much smaller venue, cramped and crowded, hot and sweaty, it was definitely something I’ll never forget.  I expect them to play a bigger venue next time they’re in town.

After all is said and done, live music will never ever go out of style when bands like these three keep performing across the country.  I will definitely keep going… hope you do too!