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Live at Pacific Amphitheatre

July 29, 2024 Review by Michelle Cooper

I must be honest: I went to this Cannons show with no expectations. As I sat in my seat and watched the crowd enter the arena, it was obvious some had come from the fair – with popcorn and stuffed animals in tow, dressed casually in their summer attire – and others were here just for the concert – several women donned glitter outfits and glamorous makeup – as they excitedly made their way to their seats.

To my surprise, the crowd was a vast mix of GenX (with ‘80s band t-shirts), mid 30s, and fresh-faced teenagers, some looking like they were ready for Coachella, and others like homegrown OC surfer boys. In fact, I actually giggled seeing the surfers as they reminded me of my youthful days hanging at Huntington Beach Pier.

Quinn XCII started the night and the crowd stood up as soon as he began the intro to “Georgia Peach.” Quinn sounds vaguely familiar to me; like a ‘90s boy band, but not one specific one. He was dressed casually in shorts and a t-shirt, and appeared to enjoy what he was doing. He is also proud to be from the Midwest and exudes a bit of humbleness.

The crowd was really into Quinn and knew his songs. They stayed on their feet for the whole set, which in turn made me get up and dance. Quinn continued his set with “Straight Jacket,” “Always Been You,” and ends the set with “Candle” as he asks the crowd to turn on the flashlight on their phone and light up the venue in unity.

When it was time for headliner Cannons, the dark stage glowed in a red haze, and the crowd was up again, a sea of cheers. The music to “Heartbeat Highway” began and the crowd exploded when they saw front-woman Michelle Joy, who looked like she was ready to walk the red carpet in her sequined, cut-out dress that highlighted her toned body.

Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, the indie pop band includes Joy, guitarist Ryan Clapham, and Paul Davis on keyboards and bass.

Childhood friends Clapham and Davis started the band and connected with Joy – a former cheerleader from Florida – when they answered a Craigslist ad for a singer looking for a band.

Joy is engaging, full of energy the whole show, and she is a “show woman!” Every song she sings, she has her heart in it, and she doesn’t stay still as she is belting out the tunes. I saw many men in the crowd who, to my delight and surprise, spent the evening dancing as much as the women around them – even their dates. I can’t say I’ve ever been to a concert with this many men who truly enjoyed the music and dancing; not because they must impress their date, but because Michelle Joy lives up to her name!

Of course the band plays the obvious hits: “Bright Lights,” “Hurricane,” and then the crowd really got involved singing along to the chorus of “Crush.” Following Quinn’s lead, Joy asked everyone to use their phones to light up the sky like an “Evening Star,” and she sang their hit with the same title.

Cannons finished the set with their hit – which was also featured on Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever” – “Fire For You.” I was surprised that a LA-based band didn’t have an encore, but truthfully, a lot of people were starting to stream out during the last song, so they didn’t seem upset with the ending to the show. Everyone seemed pleased and in great spirits as they were leaving.

This was such a fun show; the crowd loved both acts and was up dancing the whole time. I would definitely go check them out again, and invite my 30-something kids along.

Cannons will be supporting Imagine Dragons October 26th in Los Angeles at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, so don’t miss your chance to catch the sparkle and joy!

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by Tony Smith Images

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