Review and Photos by Katrina Gelety

On September 23, 2024, The Beaches began their U.S. tour in McKees Rocks, PA at the Roxian Theatre. Charlie Houston opened the show with the best energy. Not only was the music fun, but Houston had me laughing at multiple times throughout the set. I loved when Houston casually mentioned her dream to have an audience cheer as she takes off her jacket. Then, she proceeded to dramatically and jokingly take off her jacket while the audience shouted, applauded, and made her dream come true.

Houston played her most recent single “Slut for Excel” which was released just a couple of days prior to the tour starting. The lyrics are about feeling stuck while watching people around you making strides in their own lives. However, in contrast, the instrumental of the song is light-hearted with a pulsing beat that elicits a carefree feeling and gives you the urge to dance. 

Another highlight of Houston’s set was her cover of “Year 3000” which I later found out via her instagram that she learned how to play the song right before taking the stage. It was the perfect cover song choice because the audience erupted in cheers immediately when Houston started singing.

It was then time for The Beaches to grace the stage, and they opened with their song “Takes One to Know One” which is one of my favorites. Usually when I’m shooting in the photo pit, I’m completely focused/not fully paying attention to the music, but I found myself singing along while taking photos. I couldn’t help it! There’s something about the chorus that instinctively made me want to shout “God, you’re a piece of work” with the band (and the audience).

I was also thrilled when the band began an acoustic moment toward the middle of the set and sang “If a Tree Falls.” I can confidently say that song is my #1 favorite song of theirs. Lead Singer Jordan Miller’s voice is beautifully unique and absolutely shines throughout. Her lower register grabs your attention, and her head voice as well as her belts pull at the heartstrings. I’d give anything to have the opportunity to see them perform it again. 

One of the best aspects of the band’s performance is that each member is fully engaging with the audience for the entire duration of the show. It seemed like every time I glanced at drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel, I caught her making direct eye contact with a different fan in the audience and singing the lyrics to them. As someone who has always been a full-blown fangirl, I know those are the moments that stick with fans when they think back on the shows they’ve been to. The rest of the band (Jordan Miller, Kylie Miller, and Leandra Earl) continuously got as close as they could to the audience during each song. It felt as though each member did everything in their power to make connections with every person in the crowd, and I grew to respect and love them even more for that.

The fans were LOVING the show the whole night. I did not see one person who wasn’t dancing and singing – even the people on the balcony. My favorite concert-goers were a group of six in the back of the venue who were having the absolute time of their lives. I adore catching moments like this when people are so happy to be at a show that they create their own little dance parties. There’s a possibility they all knew each other prior, but I like to think they were strangers that met for the first time while seeing one of their favorite bands. 

After leaving the concert, I immediately had the itch to see The Beaches again. The energy from the band (and even the audience) was infectious, and I’m certain that this show will go down as one of my favorites of 2024. If you have the opportunity, please PLEASE go catch one of their concerts. I promise you won’t be disappointed! In the meantime, you can check out a gallery of photos from the show below!