Show Review: Bayside w/ Winona Fighter @ Bogart’s
written + photographed by janelle choiniere
full gallery of photos can be found
HERE.
Bayside, hailing from Queens NYC, brought their usual energetic and emotive performance to Bogart's in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 30, 2024. Throughout the show, Bayside skillfully blended their usual punk rock energy with heartfelt lyrics, creating a vibe that connected with fans of all ages. To no surprise of my own, I was captivated from start to finish.
Currently touring in support of their newest record There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive, the setlist included many new hits, including “The Devils,” “Castaway,” and “How to Ruin Everything.” Also included in the setlist that stood out to me was a performance of the new song "Go to Hell." This particular song, a new favorite of mine that I like to use as a pump-up jam in my everyday life, sounded exceptionally smooth and crisp, almost identical to the recording. One thing Bayside is great at is always including the older hits for some of the longtime fans. The setlist this night included such songs as “Duality,” “Montauk,” “Blame it on Bad Luck,” and finishing off the night with the always-popular “Devotion and Desire.”
As I hoped, they played their hit "Masterpiece" from their debut album Sirens and Condolences (2004) which is always a treat. Before they began, though, I was pleasantly surprised to hear lead vocalist Anthony Raneri mention the Sampler CD that contained this song. It was a particularly well-timed moment as I recalled having a conversation just the previous day about how I first discovered Bayside from a Sampler back in 2004. I vividly remember listening to the whole thing through, and the next time I walked into a Strawberries (yeah, I know), I picked out just one CD: Bayside's Sirens and Condolences. The rest, as they say, is history.
Bogart’s provided the perfect backdrop for Bayside's performance, even if they (erroneously) don’t have a photo of Bayside on their walls (it will happen one day, Jack!!). The venue was packed from front to back, with the whole room singing along to every word of every song, old and new. As a longtime fan, it was a privilege to witness Bayside in their element, and I eagerly look forward to the next time they come around.
Catching Winona Fighter’s opening set for Bayside at Bogart’s on April 30 would be the second time that I’ve had the privilege to see an incredible performance by this band. The first would also happen to be in Cincinnati, but for the newer annual Is For Lovers Fest. While getting to see so many amazing bands in one day at a festival can be a ton of fun, there’s definitely a difference in the atmosphere between a day-time show outdoors in the September heat where people are walking between different stages to catch a specific band’s set vs. a spring night in an indoor venue that is packed front to back with people there to see all the bands on the bill. This night was no exception to noticing that feeling. The more intimate setting of the venue was perfect to host Winona Fighter’s electric performance.
By the time Winona Fighter took the stage for the start of the show, Bogart’s was already filling up hard and fast. Many people front-row and center were familiar with the band, and I spotted many faces of people who were singing and thrashing along to Winona Fighter’s powerful tunes. As a born-and-bred New Englander myself that was transplanted to the border of the South & Midwest, it comes as no surprise to me to hear that front-woman Coco Kinnon Luther and the band draw influence from Boston’s punk scene. Every member of Winona Fighter was animated, captivating, and energetic during their performance. If I wasn’t covered in camera gear, I think I’d be in competition with Coco and the audience over who can jump the highest or keep their feet off the ground the longest, and I owe that to the energy they put out. If you ever see Winona Fighter’s name on a show flier, I urge you to check out their set. You will not be disappointed.
