Vampire Weekend Show Review and Photos

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As a devoted Vampire Weekend fan, the show at Red Hat Amphitheater was a truly memorable night. The band kicked off right on  time at 8 PM with Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio, and Chris Tomson performing  initially on a minimalistic part of the stage, creating an intimate vibe despite the large crowd. 

The setlist was a fantastic blend of their new material from Only God Was Above Us and beloved classics like  “A-Punk,” “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” and “Harmony Hall.” One standout moment was Ezra’s solo “Ice Cream Piano” performance, which unexpectedly  revealed the full band behind a huge Vampire Weekend banner, adding a  cool surprise element to the show.

The energy was infectious, with the crowd singing along  to nearly every song, especially the powerful finale “Hope,” which many  fans, myself included, felt deserved Song of the Year honors. The band’s  musicianship and stage presence were top-notch, effortlessly balancing  their indie rock roots with the fresh sounds of their latest album. The  venue itself, while intimate and offering good acoustics, did have some  quirks—like flat seating that could obstruct views for some and a lack  of screens—but the vibe and sound quality made up for it.

Overall, it was a night of great music, community, and  even a charitable cause, as proceeds supported Hurricane Helene relief  efforts. Vampire Weekend delivered a dynamic and heartfelt performance  that left me buzzing long after the last note. For any fan, this show  was a perfect mix of nostalgia and new excitement, making it a highlight  of 2024’s concert scene in Raleigh.

- L. Koenig