Six Bands, One Unforgettable Night: Summer School Tour at Uptown Theater

Photojournalist: Sophia Bronwyn

The Summer School Tour made its stop at the Uptown Theater in Minneapolis, delivering six bands, nonstop energy, and a night that never seemed to slow down. From hometown favorites to established names on the scene, every act brought something different, making for an entertaining—if long—evening.

The night kicked off with semi-local band Lake Drive, a group I had been looking forward to seeing the most. They absolutely delivered, bringing infectious energy from the moment they stepped on stage. Between songs, they shared how grateful they were for the opportunity to play in front of the biggest crowd of their career so far, making the set feel even more special. It was exciting to watch a band that clearly appreciates every opportunity they're given, and they left a lasting impression. They were the act I was most excited to see going into the show, and after seeing them live, I'm even more excited to follow their growth.

Up next was Chase Petra, a band I wasn't familiar with before the show, but they quickly won me over. Their performance was packed with energy, sharp musicianship, and plenty of witty banter that kept the crowd engaged between songs. One particularly memorable moment came when they asked the audience to participate by singling out a crowd member named Jay. The band jokingly warned that if the crowd didn't "shake enough ass," Jay would be "put down." The absurd humor landed perfectly with the audience and became one of the funniest interactions of the night. Their charisma and ability to connect with the crowd made them an easy highlight, even for someone seeing them for the first time.

South Arcade was third in the lineup, keeping the party going with an infectious sense of fun. Their high-energy set never let the momentum dip, and they fully embraced the carefree atmosphere. At one point, the entire band stripped down to bikini tops, earning plenty of laughs and cheers from the crowd while showing they weren't afraid to lean into the night's playful spirit.

Games We Play followed and kept the comedy rolling. They joked that they had also planned to perform topless, but those plans had changed. Instead, they revealed they were missing an article of clothing, holding up what appeared to be a pair of boxers. They opened with their signature song, "The End," and immediately after finishing it, the band walked off the stage in a fake ending. The audience quickly caught on to the joke, laughing as they chanted for the band's return after what had only been one song. It was a clever bit that fit perfectly with their lighthearted stage presence.

Winona Fighter took the stage next, dialing back the jokes but turning the energy up another notch. They called for crowd surfers and circle pits almost immediately, transforming the room into organized chaos. Their relentless energy had the audience moving from start to finish, and their performance easily felt worthy of headliner status. I could see this tour working as a double-headlining bill with the intensity they brought. That said, with six bands already packed into one evening, it was understandable why the schedule had to keep moving.

Honey Revenge closed out the night with a polished, energetic performance that capped off an evening full of fun and memorable moments. During one song, they brought out a whiteboard and challenged the Minneapolis crowd to beat Chicago's total number of crowd surfers from the previous night's show. The friendly competition immediately kicked the audience into another gear, with fans eagerly helping one another get overhead in an effort to claim the title. It was a creative way to keep the crowd engaged and made for one of the night's most memorable moments. While I understand why they chose to save their biggest hit, "Airhead," for the finale, I found myself wishing it had appeared a little earlier in the set. It's such an infectious song that it could have given the middle of the performance an extra burst of momentum. Even so, it served as a fitting conclusion to a tour that showcased not only talented bands, but a genuine sense of community and fun from start to finish.

While every band had its own personality, what stood out most was how much fun everyone seemed to be having, both on stage and in the crowd. Whether it was Chase Petra's hilarious audience banter, South Arcade's carefree antics, Games We Play's fake one-song exit, Winona Fighter's relentless intensity, or Honey Revenge's crowd surfing competition, there was never a dull moment. Summer School Tour proved exactly what it set out to be: a celebration of rising artists, pop-punk, and the community that keeps this scene alive.

What makes the Summer School Tour especially unique is how accessible the artists are. It's not every day you can catch six bands in one night and then have the opportunity to meet every single one of them afterward. That sense of community and connection between the bands and the fans is part of what makes this tour feel so special.

If the Summer School Tour rolls through your city, it's one that's well worth making time for. It isn't just another concert. It's a celebration of the pop-punk and alternative scene, packed with rising talent, memorable performances, and the kind of atmosphere that reminds you why live music is so much fun. While this year’s tour is coming to an end, I am excited to see what and who they bring for next year. 

HONEY REVENGE

WINONA FIGHTER

GAMES WE PLAY

SOUTH ARCADE

CHASE PETRA

LAKE DRIVE