On Sunday, September 27, a blood moon illuminated the SOhO rooftop patio while the sultry Zella Day simultaneously lit up the stage inside.

Before Day’s performance, Hawai (the band, not the state) opened the show with a spirited alternative rock sound that had undertones of Kings of Leon, Lord Huron, and Mumford and Sons. Their classic alternative sound was exactly what you would expect from the Orange County music scene, with swelling harmonies, comfortable melodies and catchy drumbeats. The singer had a twang in his voice that warmly pulled at the listener’s ears.

After the opening set, Zella Day skipped on stage with an amused and flirtatious expression that embraced the energy of the night: “Let’s get ‘High’ for this blood moon, alright?” she said with a coy smile. On her cue, the drummer slammed the bass drum and floor tom with vigor, the guitar player slid into a vibrating high note, and the band moved into Day’s single “High” from her new album Kicker. Indie girls in white crochet pants and hipster boys in skinny jeans and leather jackets alike were captivated by the singer’s stage presence and bold sound.

Day’s voice relentlessly held on to the audience’s hearts as she sang her songs about love, sex, and the passions of young adulthood. Throughout the first half of the set, not a soul could be seen at the bar or the patio, everyone had their eyes on Day and her band. With rare talent and musicianship, Day and band were able to engulf the audience. Day’s songwriting and live energy sets a foundation further success — look out for this girl to blow up.

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