Lake Street Dive brings Boston nostalgia to MGM Music Hall
Concert shot for The Concert Chronicles. Original article here.
On December 13, 2024, Lake Street Dive returned to their musical roots, delivering a show at MGM Music Hall that demonstrated both how far they’ve come and why Boston remains special to them, while making sure everyone in the venue stayed on their feet dancing through the show.
Opening Harmonies
The evening began with Trousdale, a female trio consisting of Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene, and Lauren Jones. Named after the pedestrian roadway running through their alma mater, the University of Southern California, the group quickly captured the audience’s attention with three-part harmonies reminiscent of HAIM, Kacey Musgraves, and Fleetwood Mac. While their set featured strong selections from their recent album “Out of My Mind,” it was their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” that proved to be a particular highlight, showcasing their vocal prowess and stage presence.
Evolution in Motion
Having first seen Lake Street Dive nearly a decade ago at a Vermont summer festival, the band’s growth was immediately apparent. While Rachael Price’s distinctive vocals and the band’s knack for infectious songwriting remain cornerstones of their sound, their performance demonstrated a musical maturity that has evolved well beyond their “Side Pony” era.
The setlist was carefully crafted to spotlight each band member’s talents, including their impressive brass section. MGM Music Hall transformed into an impromptu dance party during “Dance with a Stranger,” with even the seated sections rising to their feet. The band seamlessly wove together new material with beloved classics like “Side Pony,” “Call Off Your Dogs,” and “Bad Self Portraits,” while also treating the crowd to covers, including a soulful interpretation of Shania Twain’s “Still the One I Want.”
A Boston Homecoming
The evening took on a particularly intimate tone during “Twenty Five,” as Price reminisced about past loves from her Boston days, having moved to the city at age 17. These Boston connections run deep – the band formed at New England Conservatory in 2004, and that history clearly resonated throughout the performance.
Perhaps it was these strong local ties that inspired multiple encores, culminating in an unexpected treat: a stripped-down, simultaneously humorous and vocally impressive cover of the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” This playful finale perfectly encapsulated the band’s ability to balance serious musicianship with pure entertainment.
The night served as a testament to Lake Street Dive‘s evolution from conservatory students to seasoned performers, while maintaining the joy and skill that first brought them together in Boston two decades ago.