In The Whale at The Oriental Denver – First Concert Back

Finally! Attended a concert since the apocalypse started in 2020. Proud to say my first show back was to see In The Whale at The Oriental Theater. Hell yes, it was weird, and I was rusty. But seeing live music again, even with much fewer people there than normal – was one of the best nights of the past six months. Hell yes, I got plenty drunk and didn’t take enough photos – but I was ready to just FEEL IT.

In The Whale has always been a raucous band. I probably use that word every time I photograph them, but it was actually even more true for this show – since I know they (like all of us) had big plans for 2020 that got thrown out the window. The “double header” night at The Oriental Theater was their only show this year, and the guys poured everything they could into a weird situation.

If you have never been to The Oriental, it’s a long, wide room with a balcony above – so they are able to allow parties of six to be seated in separate groups six feet away from each other all along the venue. Masks are (of course) required – unless you are actively drinking, which in my case was most of the time. ITW also did two sets and the venue clears out and cleans in between. I felt like it was a good balance between experience and safety.

Nate released a new single under his solo project, VALDEZ, and In The Whale just put out “Drug Dealer” as well – so there was a lot to celebrate. Here’s hoping we can do that again soon. Keep wearing those masks, people!

In The Whale Concert Photos 2020

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