I Love you but i chose the maine | brooklyn bowl

The Maine

The Maine opened the I Love You, But I Chose The Maine tour in Las Vegas. This was my first show that I have photographed since living in Vegas, and it was a complete fever dream. I have seen and photographed The Maine countless times, but this time felt different in a way I can’t fully explain. Not only are they stepping into a new era with their upcoming album Joy Next Door, but they’re doing it surrounded by a lineup that feels just as intentional as the music itself. Seeing a tour like this that was stacked with artists I genuinely love, in a city that’s still new to me made the entire experience hit harder. The Maine opened their set with “Another Night on Mars,” a song longtime fans know is almost always reserved as a closer. Hearing it at the very beginning was unexpected, but it immediately set the tone for the night. It felt less like a traditional setlist choice and more like a statement. The energy in the room picked up immediately, and they kept it steady the rest of the set. Their setlist felt intentional and cohesive, weaving through different eras of their discography without feeling disjointed. Older songs carried a sense of nostalgia that the crowd clung to, while newer tracks hinted at where they’re headed next. It wasn’t just a performance, it felt like a bridge between who they’ve been and who they’re becoming.

Nightly

Nightly, one of the supporting acts from Nashville, brought a completely different kind of energy to the night. Their sound leaned more pop-driven, but it translated effortlessly in a live setting. Their set was full of movement, bright, upbeat, and impossible not to get pulled into even though they write a lot of sad songs. They also played their new song “1989” for the first time, which made the moment feel even more special. They have that kind of presence that makes a room feel lighter, and it balanced the lineup in a really refreshing way.

GrAyscale

Grayscale, a rock band out of Philadelphia and one of my personal favorites, delivered a set that felt both nostalgic and electric. They’re one of those bands that somehow still feels underrated despite how strong their catalog is. Being from Baltimore, I’ve made the trip to Philly more times than I can count to see them, so experiencing them in my new city felt oddly full circle. Their set blended older songs with newer material seamlessly, and they even threw in a cover of “Twist and Shout.” While it will never top their cover of Never Let You Go by Third Eye Blind, it added a fun, unexpected moment that the crowd fully embraced.

Franklin Jonas

Opening the entire night, and the entire tour, was Franklin Jonas. Taking on that role comes with a certain level of pressure, especially with a crowd that may not know what to expect yet, but he handled it effortlessly. His energy was unmatched from the second he stepped on stage. He was interactive, constantly engaging with the crowd, and genuinely looked like he was having the time of his life. That kind of presence is contagious, and it set the tone early for the rest of the night. Overall, the show felt like more than just a tour kickoff. There was this underlying sense that we were all witnessing the beginning of an era, and getting to experience that in a new city made it all the more surreal. Even in a city that still feels new, the night was full of bands that somehow made me feel at home.