Review/Photos: Lake Street Dive 5.16.25 The Capitol Theatre

Words & Photos by Anthony Abu-Hanna

Life Lessons According to Rachael Price, or a Concert Review

A humid Friday night in Port Chester. A celebration for Radio 107.1 The Peak’s 21st anniversary. A Lake Street Dive concert. What do all of these have in common? They came together at the legendary Capitol Theatre for one unforgettable night. And thanks to Nugs.net, you can relive it anytime by streaming the show.

Kicking things off was Katie Tupper, an artist from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Her smooth, smoky vocals and R&B-laced songwriting were the perfect welcome. Her lyrics, drawn from real-life experiences like falling in love with a best friend or not quite knowing how to flirt with girls, hit home with honesty and charm. The crowd was immediately pulled in.

But the energy really took off when Lake Street Dive hit the stage. Led by the powerhouse that is Rachael Price, the band was met with thunderous applause. This tour brought some new flavor to the mix: a horn section led by Jon Lampley and extra percussion, making the rhythm even richer. What followed wasn’t just a concert—it was a crash course in living well.

Lesson 1: Find People You’re Good Together With

They opened strong with Good Together, the title track from their latest album. Rachael and keyboardist Akie Bermiss took turns on lead vocals, weaving a song that celebrates the ups and downs of meaningful relationships. It was the kind of reminder we all need: putting in the work with the people we care about is always worth it. With that, the tone was set, and the ride had begun.

Lesson 2: Always Grab Seats at the Bar

Seats at the Bar brought a laid-back funk vibe straight from the seventies. The band even staged a bar at the center of the stage, where Rachael perched on a stool, spinning and singing with effortless charm. It was one of those “sit back and soak it in” moments. The crowd lining the rail? They were already living that message.

Katie Tupper joined the band again for a duet on Better Than, a gentle, classic ballad that showcased both singers’ strengths. After a dreamy keyboard solo by Akie, the tempo surged with Baby, Don’t Leave Me Alone With My Thoughts, a high-energy number that got the room moving again. Akie gave a quick shout-out to drummer Mike Calabrese for his eco-conscious push behind the scenes before the band launched into Making Do, a song about working toward a better future.

Lesson 3: Be Your Weird Self, Wear That Side Pony

Midway through an acoustic mini-set, the five band members huddled around a single mic. Bridget Kearney teased an “oldie but goodie” and asked if anyone had a guess. The crowd didn’t hesitate: a chorus of “SIDE PONY!” rang out. This quirky anthem, celebrating individuality and embracing your weird side, had the whole theater leaning in and singing out.

Next came a sweet surprise—a slow-jam cover of Shania Twain’s You’re Still the One, with Bermiss on lead and Rachael backing him up. Then came two more songs that felt like emotional snapshots: Twenty Five, a tender reflection on young love, and Seventeen, a go-go styled ride through the masks we wear and who we really are.

Lesson 4: Dance with a Stranger

Sometimes, you just have to let go. Dance with a Stranger invites you to do exactly that. Chat someone up. Move your feet. Stop waiting for the perfect moment. With its ‘80s-inspired funk and carefree vibe, the song turned the venue into one big dance floor. Energy soared as the main set came to a close. With a strict curfew in place, the band skipped the traditional break and rolled right into the encore.

And they didn’t hold back. In honor of the Capitol Theatre, Mike Calabrese took the lead on a lively cover of The Band’s Ophelia, with horns, keys, and guitar trading off blazing solos. It was a love letter to the venue, loud and proud.

Lesson 5: Tell Them I’m a Good Kisser.

They wrapped things up with Good Kisser, one of their most beloved tracks, and it was the perfect way to say goodbye. The band waved goodnight, the crowd roared, and just like that, the night came to an end.

Lake Street Dive didn’t just perform. They connected. They reminded us to be kind, be bold, and most of all, be ourselves. From barstool grooves to unexpected life lessons, it was a night we won’t soon forget.

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