Vienna Vienna Sets the Stage for a Night of Unforgettable Energy with Daisy Grenade
The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the train into New York City was filled with people heading out for what promised to be a beautiful evening. Halfway through Pride Month, the city felt more vibrant and inclusive than ever. Between last week’s Knicks victory celebrations and the influx of World Cup visitors, there was a noticeable sense of people coming together to celebrate individuality, community, and the things that connect us.
That same energy carried into the Bowery Ballroom, a venue that has always felt like a place where everyone belongs. On any given night, you might find people who look like they stepped straight out of different decades of history, and Friday night was no exception. The crowd looked like a gathering of Delia’s catalog models from the 90s mixed with their siblings, friends, and everyone in between. Every hair color imaginable was represented, styled into pigtails, double buns, or left to flow freely. There were colorful beaded bracelets, studded belts, and outfits that felt like an extension of everyone’s personality.
The room was already packed before the doors even opened. An hour before the show started, the crowd had filled the space so completely that finding a clear path to the entrance was nearly impossible. It was one of the fullest I had ever seen the Bowery Ballroom.
STUPID LUCKY
The evening began with New York indie-pop band Stupid Lucky, who immediately brought a burst of energy and theatricality to the stage. Lead singer Taylor Pearlstein welcomed the crowd with a “Happy Pride!” before joking, “We’re a band of queers and two of us don’t have nipples. Can you guess which two?” Their set continued to reinforce the feeling that this was a space built around acceptance and self-expression.
A standout moment came when the band performed a cover of Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi,” with Pearlstein sharing that she used to tell everyone in second grade that she had written the song. Another highlight was an unreleased track written in collaboration with Daisy Grenade and Hannah Kline, a hauntingly beautiful song about navigating mental health in your twenties. They closed their set with another new song, “Baby Teeth,” and despite being newly released, the crowd was already singing along which was a promising sign of what is ahead for Stupid Lucky.
VIENNA VIENNA
Next came Fresno, California-based artist Vienna Vienna, the stage name of J. Barre. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, he commanded attention. Standing tall in a long red plaid kilt, combat boots, and a shirt featuring a large “V” made from safety pins, his look matched the theatrical and unpredictable energy of his music.
What was immediately surprising was the simplicity of the setup. It was just Vienna Vienna and a drummer on stage, yet the sound felt much larger. Several microphones were positioned around the stage, and throughout the performance, Barre moved between them, creating different layers and textures. Whether he was using vocal effects, looping sounds, or creating different tones through each setup, it was an impressive display of musicianship and creativity. Watching him build such a full experience with only himself and his drummer was a reminder of how much can be accomplished with a strong vision.
The crowd erupted when Vienna Vienna performed “Make a Man Out of You,” a song that has gained even more attention after being featured in the season finale of “Off Campus.” Fans sang along passionately, proving just how connected they already were to his music.
Another unforgettable moment came during his self-titled track “Vienna (Everything’s Fine).” The energy in the room shifted as the crowd erupted and a circle pit formed toward the back of the venue, adding a raw, unexpected intensity to the performance.
The set closed with Vienna Vienna’s biggest song, “God Save the Queens.” During the track, members of Daisy Grenade joined him on stage, adding Emily-style bunny ears and a red cape before dancing alongside him. It felt less like a traditional finale and more like a celebration — a chaotic, joyful party happening right on stage.
DAISY GRENADE
By the time Daisy Grenade took the stage, the Bowery Ballroom was completely full, and it was immediately clear why. New York natives Dani Nigro and Keaton Whittaker walked out wearing Knicks colors, with Nigro sporting a Knicks T-shirt, and kicked things off with a “Knicks in Five” chant that the crowd happily joined.
The band’s energy never let up. During “How to Hide a Body,” they had the entire room crouch down before exploding upward together during the chorus. The crowd knew every word, and the connection between the band and their fans was undeniable.
What surprised me most was just how hard Daisy Grenade went live. From Whittaker launching into a massive jump off the drum kit to a guitarist crowd surfing while still playing, their performance carried the intensity of a hardcore punk show while maintaining the melodic edge of their pop-punk roots.
With their explosive stage presence, devoted fanbase, and ability to completely command a room, Daisy Grenade proved they are ready for much larger stages. But for me, the night’s standout discovery was Vienna Vienna — an artist who brought a unique visual identity, undeniable charisma, and a powerful live presence to the Bowery Ballroom stage.
