Niko Moon Takes The Milwaukee Crowd On Vacation During The These Are The Nights Tour
The excitement was palpable as fans lined up outside The Rave in Milwaukee, WI, eager for a night filled with good vibes and memorable music. Niko Moon's These Are The Nights Tour had been eagerly anticipated, and as the clock ticked closer to showtime, the energy only grew stronger. The Rave, a venue known for its unique ambiance and history, was the perfect setting for what promised to be an unforgettable evening.
All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography
The Rave is a staple in Milwaukee's music scene, renowned for its diverse lineup and the intimate yet electrifying experience it offers concert-goers. With its vintage charm and multi-level layout, it provides a cozy atmosphere that allows fans to feel connected to the artists performing. As the audience settled in, the anticipation for the night’s opener, David J, was tangible.
David J took the stage with a sense of ease, setting the tone for the night with a beautiful acoustic rendition of Keith Urban's Somebody Like You. Accompanied by a second guitar player, his set had a raw and authentic feel that resonated deeply with the audience. The simplicity of the acoustic setup allowed his talent to shine through as he performed a series of original songs. After We Broke Up and Cry Pretty showcased his songwriting prowess, while a cover of Taylor Swift's You Belong With Me brought a delightful twist. David J then slowed things down with Once, a song that has become a favorite for first dances, followed by Lost My Heartbreak, a song he released at the age of 17. Closing with a soulful cover of Jason Isbell's Cover Me Up, David J left the crowd warmed up and ready for more.
Click The Image For The Full David J Photo Gallery
As the lights dimmed once more, a wave of anticipation swept through the venue. Niko Moon took the stage barefoot, exuding a laid-back, vacation-like vibe that instantly connected with the audience. Kicking off with Nights Still Young, the crowd was immediately swept up in the energy. It felt as though Milwaukee had been transported to a tropical getaway as Let It Ride and Paradise followed. Niko's only cover of the night, Fishin' In The Dark, was a nostalgic nod that the audience embraced wholeheartedly.
“Welcome to the These Are The Nights Tour y’all, It’s going to be a good night Milwaukee, let’s get the good times rolling”
With each song, the connection between Niko and the crowd grew stronger. Easy Tonight had everyone dancing from the balcony to the floor, while Diamond, Head Above The Water, and Coastin' maintained the upbeat momentum. Despite the cold weather outside, the warmth inside was palpable as Niko performed Summer Don't Go and followed it with an inspiring speech before Better Days. His heartfelt message about finding light even in difficult times resonated deeply with everyone present.
“If you are going through a tough time, I just want to remind you that you got this, life is a beautiful thing”
A highlight of the night was when Niko ventured to a B Stage at the back of the crowd, a unique move for a club setting. Engaging with fans, he found a couple married for 45 years, adding a personal touch to the performance. All That We Need from the B Stage had the entire venue singing along, marking it as an emotional high point of the night. As he made his way back to the main stage, Dance With Me kept the positive energy flowing.
Continuing with It's All Good and Somebody Is Me, Niko maintained the vibrant atmosphere before being joined by David J for Money Can't Buy, a song they wrote together. The camaraderie between the two artists was evident and added another layer of enjoyment to the show. A nod to Niko's songwriting past, Homegrown, which he co-wrote with Zac Brown, followed, delighting fans familiar with the hit.
The evening began to wind down with These Are The Days and No Sad Songs, as the crowd nearly drowned out Niko with their enthusiastic sing-along. Instead of retreating for an encore, Niko chose to stay on stage, closing the night with Good Time. The decision to forgo the usual encore routine felt genuine as if Niko wanted to savor every moment with the audience, wrapping up the night on an undeniably high note.
As concert-goers spilled out into the chilly Milwaukee night, the smiles on their faces were evidence of the joy and connection felt throughout the evening. Niko Moon's performance at The Rave was not just a concert but an experience filled with heartfelt moments and a sense of community. The caring and empathetic tone of the night left an indelible mark on everyone who attended, reminding us all of the power of music to bring people together and uplift spirits.
Click The Image For The Full Niko Moon Photo Gallery
In conclusion, These Are The Nights The Tour featuring Niko Moon was a testament to the power of live music to create lasting memories. The combination of The Rave's intimate setting, David J's impressive opening set, and Niko Moon's engaging performance created a night that Milwaukee music fans won't soon forget. It's the kind of concert experience that leaves you with a full heart and a renewed appreciation for the artists who bring people together through their music.
Niko Moon Set-List
Nights Still Young
Let It Ride
Paradise To Me
Fishin’ In The Dark (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Cover)
Easy Tonight
Diamond
Head Above The Water
Coastin’
Summer Don’t Go
Better Days
Small Town State Of Mind
[B Stage]
All That We Need
Dance With Me
[Main Stage]
It’s All Good
Somebody Is Me
Money Can’t Buy W/ David J
Homegrown (Zac Brown Band – Cover)
These Are The Days
No Sad Songs
Good Time