Concert Review: Owl City (Ritz Raleigh)

BY BELLA DISTEFANO

Owl City drew a fantastic crowd last week at The Ritz.

The opener, Augustana, performed an intimate solo set on keyboard. When it came time for the song “Boston,” everyone (including me!) was thrilled.

Adam (Owl City) entered the stage and started mixing sounds together right away. He quickly got a track going and then just like magic, the lights came up and his show began.

Owl City will always be one of those nostalgic artists for me. Their music brings me back to summer vacations, wearing my old beat-up Converse, and spending Friday nights at the roller-skating rink. I think the whole crowd was enjoying a night of blasts from the past.

Hearing “Fireflies” live was definitely not on my 2024 bingo card, but I was very happy to cross it off the list! During this song, I listened from the balcony, and it was such a wonderful sight to see everyone shining their phone flashlights while they belted out the lyrics. This has now made it on my list of core memories.

Now that I’ve told you all about Owl City, I need to mention the incredible staff at The Ritz. Every time I’m at a show here, I am amazed at how kind all of the employees are. It is such a welcoming atmosphere, that it almost doesn’t matter who you’re there to see. If I could watch every show at The Ritz, I would.

If this review left you feeling a little FOMO, don’t worry! Owl City will be back in North Carolina on April 9th at The Orange Peel. It’s always nice to have an excuse to visit Asheville!

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BELLA DISTEFANO

Bella DiStefano splits her time between Graham, North Carolina and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. While home for the winter, she spends her days enjoying family time and photographing concerts while her friends sing along in the crowd. In the summer when she escapes to the island, she works at a marina during the day and photographs portraits and engagement sessions during her favorite time, golden hour. When she isn't taking pictures, Bella enjoys reading, traveling, and creating wearable art.

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