5 Seconds of Summer at Darien Lake Amphitheater, NY – August 3, 2026: A Fangirl’s Dream
Photographed by Sarah Gerass
There’s something magical about seeing one of your favorite artists just a short drive from home. As a Buffalonian, I’ve traveled to Rochester and Toronto to catch Djo live, but his show at Artpark in Lewiston, NY, was a gift. The venue’s local & nostalgic outdoor setting, paired with the Niagara Gorge backdrop, created the perfect atmosphere for a night of music that was both intimate and epic.
Djo, aka Joe Keery, brought his signature playful energy to the stage from the very first note. He cracked jokes and even jumped down right in front of me during the opening song while I was shooting in the photo pit. At one point, he climbed onto the side of the stage, giving fans a thrilling, elevated view of his performance. His stage presence was just as entertaining as his music, and it was impossible not to smile as he fed off the crowd’s energy.
A colorful light show added another layer of immersion, reminiscent of Tame Impala’s visually stunning performances. It was the perfect complement to DJO’s sound, which blends elements of artists like The Beatles, Supertramp, and Pink Floyd, which are all the classic rock influences I grew up listening to with my parents. Hearing his music live, surrounded by fans who felt the same connection, was an experience that felt almost out of this world.
The setlist was a dream, spanning his discography and hitting all the right notes. "Egg" was a standout, its explosive climax always making me rage with excitement. But the real highlight was "Flash Mountain," the ultimate encore. The high-energy guitar moments had everyone in the crowd head-banging and losing their minds. It was the perfect way to wrap up the night. "End of Beginning," his most-streamed track, was another crowd-pleaser. The entire venue sang along, and the energy was electric.
After finishing my photo duties, I ran into the GA pit, where I met up with my friends. I couldn’t stop smiling and raving about the moment Djo jumped down in front of me. It was one of those small but unforgettable interactions that make live music so special. I spent the rest of the night singing, dancing, and soaking in the atmosphere, giggling and being jolly with my pals.
As if this show wasn’t enough, I’m already looking forward to seeing Djo again at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on July 26th, where he’ll be opening for Tame Impala on the Deadbeat Tour. The thought of those two iconic men sharing a stage is almost too exciting to handle. Will they interact? Will there be a surprise collaboration? Only time will tell, but I know it’s going to be an incredible night.
DJO’s performance at Artpark was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of music, joy, and the kind of energy that makes you feel alive. If you haven’t seen him live yet, do yourself a favor and catch him on tour. And if you have, you already know that there’s nothing quite like it.