Last night, in the heart of the vibrant city of Columbus, a handful of King’s Kaleidoscope enthusiasts were treated to an intimate acoustic pre-show performance along with an opportunity to ask the Seattle-based band anything they wanted to know. Most people asked routine questions about work-life balance and what songs were their favorite, but one man shared an incredibly powerful story of how their songs led him to personally encounter the love of Jesus and radically impacted his life before having each member sign the box of his custom steel and stone kaleidoscope with the lyrics of the song “Joy” engraved. That moment was definitely a cool segue into the full concert as the doors opened and general admission ticket holders poured in, filling both levels of the venue. 

The main act vanished backstage to make room for their openers, Mike Mains and the Branches, who treated the crowd to a satisfying serving of high-energy musical brilliance. Then, one by one, the band members took up their instruments leading up to the moment where lead singer, Chad Gardner, took the mic as the crowd went wild. Before their official set began, Gardner asked everyone to pull out their phones and watch a moving video sharing the work of International Justice Mission, an organization that partners with bands on tour to spread awareness of modern-day slavery and raise funds that help workers rescue victims of human-trafficking around the world.  This brief and sobering moment was a reminder that their music is not just for entertainment and emotional escapism, but about inspiring a lifestyle that translates the gospel to the world. And when their set finally started, they absolutely delivered what the many Ohioans that showed up know and love them for. 

Imagine this. The backdrop is adorned with mesmerizing kaleidoscopic visuals that mirror the band’s name.The stage is electrified, as vibrant lights dance in harmony to soul-stirring melodies that are a dope blend of traditional instruments and electronic beats, creating an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and emotionally charged. The band showcases their unparalleled musicianship with an eclectic fusion of indie rock, classical elements, and raw emotional lyrics. Gardner effortlessly belts out these lyrics that soar over the crowd, cutting through to the front door of the venue, his voice carrying the weight of every emotion embedded in their songs. The brass section adds a touch of grandeur, while the violin and cello infuses the performance with a rich, orchestral depth. Or maybe it’s hard to imagine. You just gotta buy tickets to their next show in a city near you. The chemistry between the band members witnessed by the select few during the pre-show was still palpable on the main stage, creating an immersive experience for the audience. 

King’s Kaleidoscope carried out a carefully curated setlist that spanned their discography. From crowd favorites like “Aimless Night” and “Joy,” to an encore performance of each part from their song trilogy, “The Rush.” The band’s ability to transition seamlessly between high-energy anthems and soulful ballads kept the audience engaged throughout the night. As the final notes reverberated through Skully’s, the audience was left in awe, a collective sense of fulfillment and gratitude filling the air. King’s Kaleidoscope had not only delivered a concert but had taken us all on a transformative musical journey. How many others in the crowd, like that man with the engraved kaleidoscope, had stories of these songs where their lives were changed? That man is actually my dear friend and I got to also experience the love of God through their songs too. That is the power of music. But not just any music. Music created with surrender and excellence for a tour with a higher goal than to sell merch and accumulate social media followers. As a performing artist myself, this speaks to my core and echoes everything I believe in. I talked to the drummer, Daniel Steele, who has his own incredible history of being in the industry. He expressed overwhelming gratitude as he shared what an honor and blessing it is for him to play in this group of exceptionally talented, Jesus-centered musicians. Steele went off on the drums last night for real! Check Tuned Up’s Instagram for video proof! 

In summary, the night at Skully’s was not an ordinary concert; it was a testament to the power of music to unite, inspire, and elevate the human spirit. If you are fortunate enough to find that King’s Kaleidoscope will be performing in your city, go. Follow King’s Kaleidoscope on Instagram.

Author: Gabrielle Solange