The halls were officially in session as the idol Radio Summer School Tour rolled into The Fillmore Charlotte, delivering an evening that perfectly captured everything that the alternative scene thrives on, community, discovering, and high energy performances. With a stacked lineup featuring local opener Lacy Dooms, alongside Chase Petra, Winona Fighter, Games We Play, South Arcade, and headliners Honey Revenge, the tour proved why it has quickly become one of the most exciting traveling showcases for the next generation of pop punk artists.
Opening the night, Lacy Dooms wasted no time in making their impression on the eager crowd. Their performance set an energetic tone from the very first song, bringing hometown pride and infectious enthusiasm to an audience that was still filing into the venue. Rather than feeling like an opener simply warming up the crowd, Lacy Dooms treated the stage like it was already prime time, earning cheers from both longtime supporters and newcomers alike.
Chase Petra followed with a set full of personality and confidence. Their bend of sharp songwriting, punchy riffs, and charismatic stage presence translated effortlessly in a live setting. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, creating moments that balanced humor, vulnerability, and controlled chaos. Their set served as a reminder that some of the most memorable festival discoveries happen early in the evening.
If there was an award for pure adrenaline, Winona Fighter would have taken it home. The Nashville trio delivered one of the night’s most explosive performances, barely giving the audience a chance to catch their breath. Front woman Coco Kinnon commanded every inch of the stage with boundless energy while the band unleashed a relentless barrage of punk infused anthems. Circle pits broke out, fists filled the air, and the crowd enthusiastically matched the band’s intensity from start to finish.
Keeping the momentum rolling, Games We Play brought a welcome dose of humor alongside polished pop punk hooks. Emmyn Calleiro effortlessly connected with the Charlotte crowd between songs, making the packed room feel surprisingly intimate. Their catchy choruses transformed into massive singalongs, proving why the band continues to build such a dedicated following. Their performance struck the perfect balance between heartfelt moments and carefree summer fun.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening came courtesy of South Arcade. Bringing their unmistakable Y2K inspired aesthetic to the stage, the UK band delivered an effortlessly cool performance that felt nostalgic without ever sounding dated. Their infectious melodies, shimmering guitars, and magnetic stage presence had fans dancing from beginning to end. It quickly became clear why so many concertgoers had arrived earlier specifically to see them, the excitement surrounding the band was well deserved.
Closing out the night, Honey Revenge demonstrated exactly why they were chosen to headline this year’s Summer School. From the moment they stepped on the stage, the atmosphere shifted into full celebration. Devin Papadol proved herself to be one of alternative music’s most captivating frontwomen, effortlessly balancing powerhouse vocals with nonstop interaction throughout the venue. Every song felt larger than life as fans shouted every lyric back at the stage, creating one of the rare concert moments where artist and audience seem completely connected.
Beyond the individual performances, what makes idobi Radio Summer School Tour special is its commitment to showcasing emerging artists before they become household names. Rather than simply presenting a collection of bands, the tour creates an environment built around discovery, giving every act an opportunity to win over new fans. Throughout the evening, it wasn’t uncommon to hear conversations between sets about which band had surprised people the most, a testament to just how strong the lineup truly was. Founded to champion artist development, affordability, and community, the tour continues to deliver on that mission while introducing audiences to the future of alternative music.
By the time the house lights came up, Charlotte had experienced more than just another concert, it had witnessed a celebration of where alternative music is headed next. Whether fans came for one specific artist or stayed from the first note to the final encore, everyone left with at least one new favorite band.
Gallery and Review by Vicktoria Wright.
