Jess Nelson On June 18, 2025, Denver’s Mission Ballroom was alive with excitement as Lake Street Dive took the stage for a truly unforgettable night. Known for their soulful blend of jazz, pop, and R&B, the band delivered a powerful and energetic performance that had the crowd fully engaged from start to finish. With their signature tight harmonies, vibrant instrumentation, and charismatic stage presence, Lake Street Dive created an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere that resonated deeply with fans old and new. The night was a celebration of musical craftsmanship and heartfelt connection, leaving attendees with memories to cherish long after the final note.
Lake Street Drive
Lake Street Dive is a genre-defying American band celebrated for seamlessly blending soul, pop, jazz, rock, and folk into a distinct, vibrant sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. The group formed in 2004 at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where their diverse musical training and shared passion for rich, authentic music laid the foundation for their dynamic chemistry.
The original lineup featured powerhouse vocalist Rachael Price, whose soulful and expressive voice quickly became the band’s signature; bassist and songwriter Bridget Kearney, known for her melodic bass lines and thoughtful compositions; drummer Mike Calabrese, whose steady rhythms anchor the group’s grooves; and multi-instrumentalist Mike “McDuck” Olson, who contributed trumpet and guitar, adding unique layers to their sound.
In 2018, Lake Street Dive expanded their sonic palette with the addition of keyboardist and vocalist Akie Bermiss, bringing new textures and vocal depth. After Olson’s departure in 2021, guitarist James Cornelison joined, infusing fresh energy and further evolving the group’s sound while maintaining their hallmark tight arrangements and intricate harmonies.
Lake Street Dive’s rise to prominence began with a grassroots approach, gaining early attention through viral YouTube covers and lively street performances that showcased their undeniable chemistry and engaging stage presence. Their breakthrough album Bad Self Portraits (2014) earned widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, highlighting their ability to craft catchy yet sophisticated songs. This momentum continued with Side Pony (2016), which topped multiple Billboard charts and solidified their reputation in the indie soul-pop landscape.
Their 2018 release, Free Yourself Up, debuted in the Billboard 200’s top ten and marked a period of creative growth, blending upbeat grooves with introspective lyrics. With Obviously (2021), the band took a bolder approach, addressing pressing social issues such as climate change, gender equality, and social unrest with clever lyricism and musical wit, demonstrating their commitment to meaningful artistry.
In 2024, Lake Street Dive released Good Together, a joyful and socially conscious album that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. The project was praised for its warmth, cohesion, and celebration of unity, capturing the band’s evolution while staying deeply rooted in their core strengths: tight grooves, emotionally honest lyrics, and infectious melodies that invite listeners to both dance and reflect.
Known for their electric live performances, Lake Street Dive continues to tour extensively across the U.S. and internationally, building a devoted following with shows that combine technical excellence, vibrant energy, and genuine connection. With each release and performance, they reaffirm their place as one of today’s most compelling and innovative bands, pushing musical boundaries while remaining accessible and heartfelt.
Photos by Jess Nelson Media, LLC. All images © 2025 Copyright Jess Nelson Media, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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