Festival Recap: 8123 Fest 2025 - Local Wolves
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Music

Mesa Amphitheater in Mesa AZ — January 17 & 18, 2025

In order to understand the experience I had at this year’s 8123 Fest, let me first take you back about 17 years ago. Where MySpace was in its prime and moving new bands to your top eight was the epitome of if you know, you know. A band from Arizona called The Maine caught my ears early on and still to this day holds a special place in my heart. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing how much they’ve grown and evolved their sound and songwriting to be one of the most formidable rock bands in the scene. Their authenticity and dedication to the fans and community they’ve fostered over the last 18 years really sets them apart and speaks to their longevity. 

8123 Fest was a weekend full of moments that brought fans and artists together in the heart of Arizona. A homecoming like no other where The Maine want to honor their roots. On the grounds of the Mesa Amphitheater you could capture one of the curated photo spots, live screen print t-shirts, taste local food and craft friendship bracelets while enjoying a signature cocktail. This year, for the first time, the festival spanned two days. After the kickoff party the night before, day one’s energy was electric, featuring music from Bad Suns, Grayscale, Diva Bleach, Veronica Everheart and special guest, Beach Weather. The Maine performed American Candy (how has it been 10 years?) and their self-titled album, a farewell they are accustomed to doing before launching the next chapter.

There were high expectations for day two, and the line up did not disappoint. An up-and-coming group, Practically People even wooed the crowd by launching t-shirts on stage from an oversized catapult. The Starting Line, Real Friends, Charlotte Sands, HelloGoodbye, and Cliffdiver all kept the energy going in full swing. Closing out the night, The Maine played a setlist of greatest hits from the various eras of their catalogue. John O’Callaghan broke things down for an acoustic version of “We All Roll Along,” but not before teasing “Into Your Arms,” “Daisy,” and “Right Girl” while intimately explaining the origins behind 8123 for any uninitiated in the crowd. 

For the brave of heart, each night was capped off with an Emo Afterparty where The Maine (and friends) pumped crowd pleasing jams. Ted Lavender graced us with his truly singular performance which honestly left me with more questions than answers. On Sunday, a send off party brought us together at the Nile Theater for one last memorable night. The 8123 House Band (The Main, like the street) kicked it off with covers that made me believe I too, could sing in front of a crowd. Some lucky fans even did just that, and were selected to sing live-band karaoke to a handful of hits accompanied by The Maine. Of course they saved the ultimate surprise performance for last, bringing out Nick Santino, Eric Halverson, and Loren Brinton also known as, A Rocket to the Moon, for a reunion over a decade in the making! “Baby Blue Eyes” was on repeat the entire ride back to the hotel that night. 

Cherished times like these are what makes a community. 8123 isn’t just a lyric or a parking garage turned hangout. It’s a collective and ongoing kinship between fans and the band that makes it all possible. The Maine are at a point now where they not only keep pushing themselves, but use their experience to help uplift the next generation as well. This continuous care about music (and not just their own) will drive 8123 to new heights year after year. 

DAY 1

BAD SUNS

BEACH WEATHER

DIVA BLEACH

GRAYSCALE

THE MAINE

DAY 2

CHARLOTTE SANDS

CLIFFDIVER

HELLOGOODBYE

REAL FRIENDS

THE STARTING LINE

THE MAINE

Words: Lisa Lok

Photography: Colin Webber


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