LOS ANGELES, CA- The Greeting Committee, an indie band from Kansas formed in 2014, took the stage at The Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles this past Saturday night, touring their latest album, “Everyone’s Gone and I’m the Cause.” Their performance was nothing short of electrifying, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement. Supported by the dynamic duo Toledo, the night was an unforgettable experience.
Back in 2015-2016, during my senior year of high school, I was searching Apple Music with lyrics, trying to find a song that was stuck in my head. “Hands Down” by The Greeting Committee came up in my search. The opening guitar riff immediately caught my attention. Although it wasn’t the song I was looking for, it instantly became a favorite. Everything about it was addictive—the slow-building guitar, the pause, and then Addie Sartino’s angelic voice floating through my speakers. The deep, driving drums felt like the heartbeat of two lovers. “Hands Down” stayed in my queue for months. It was a completely random way of discovering the band, but since then, I’ve enjoyed all their releases. Seeing one of my favorite songs from such a pivotal moment in my life performed live was cleansing. It was one of those moments where life comes full circle.
Toledo opened the evening to a warm reception from the Los Angeles crowd. The band, composed of two close friends who share vocal duties—one on bass and the other on guitar—immediately captured our hearts. Their powerful opening song set the tone for what would be an energetic evening.
Toledo’s set was a masterclass in storytelling. Their intricate guitar solos wove through the audience like a web, capturing us from the start. They skillfully led us through a narrative with rising guitar solos that commanded our attention, intimate songs about old lovers that provided a reflective pause, and a high-energy climax that set the stage perfectly for The Greeting Committee.
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As The Greeting Committee stepped onto the stage, an unmistakable excitement filled the room. The crowd instinctively moved closer, drawn by the band’s magnetic presence. From the first note, it was clear that this would be an unforgettable show. Addie Sartino’s stage presence was compelling, and when she crowd-surfed over our heads, it sent the energy through the roof.
Throughout the night, The Greeting Committee made us feel like we were part of the band. They played a mix of new songs from their latest album and fan favorites like “Pull it Together,” “More,” and “Hands Down,” the song that put them on the map. The setlist was perfectly curated, ensuring that everyone in the audience had a moment to sing along. At one point, they even tossed a tambourine into the crowd, which we eagerly passed around, adding to the magic of the evening.
The energy wasn’t solely driven by Addie. Austin Fraser’s drum solo was a showstopper, Pierce’s saxophone solo added a unique twist to the set, and Brandon Yangi’s multiple guitar solos were equally thrilling, demonstrating the band’s versatile talent. The Greeting Committee’s ability to engage the audience in various ways highlighted their multifaceted indie sound.
The Teragram Ballroom was the perfect venue for such an intimate performance. It allowed fans to get up close and personal with the band, a rarity in larger venues. After a particularly energetic song, we could see every drop of sweat on Brandon’s nose and the look of exhaustion on Austin’s face as he lowered his head for a brief rest. This added level of intimacy made the evening even more special.
Having attended numerous concerts, I can confidently say that The Greeting Committee’s performance ranks among my top five. Their unwavering commitment to putting on an exceptional show is rare. With Toledo’s brilliant support, they transformed Saturday night into a memorable experience that left a lasting impression, keeping the buzz alive for days afterward.
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LIVE CLIPS
