Category Archives: Features

Concert Photos, Features, News

Check Out Our Photos of Niko Moon’s Concert at The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Deanna Glatczak/The Early Registration

Country fans packed The Sylvee in Madison on Saturday, April 18, as Niko Moon brought The American Palm Tour to the city for a night of upbeat country anthems and laid-back, feel-good vibes. Moon drew a lively crowd to the downtown venue eager to experience his signature brand of positivity-driven country music.

Moon first broke onto the country scene with his triple-platinum smash “Good Time,” a song that quickly became a staple of summer playlists and helped establish him as one of country music’s most upbeat new voices. Since then, the Texas-born, Nashville-based singer and songwriter has leaned into that same sunny outlook, crafting songs that celebrate good vibes, good friends, and living life in the moment.

The current tour highlights music from his latest album American Palm, a project that expands on his laid-back country style while drawing inspiration from beachside imagery and carefree moments meant to lift listeners’ spirits. That same atmosphere carried into the Madison show, where fans sang along and embraced the upbeat energy that has become a hallmark of Moon’s live performances.

Inside The Sylvee, the performance felt equal parts country concert and good-time celebration, with the crowd fully leaning into Moon’s message of positivity. His mix of catchy hooks, country rhythms, and relaxed stage presence made the evening feel like a welcome escape from the everyday, exactly the type of experience his music is built around.

Photographer Deanna Glatczak was there to capture the highlights from the night, documenting the vibrant energy inside the venue and Moon’s engaging performance on stage.

Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Niko Moon’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.

  • Photo by Deanna Glatczak/The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Soulja Boy Takes on The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration

Madison’s The Sylvee turned into a full-blown hip-hop party on Wednesday night as Soulja Boy brought The Drip Tour to the city for a high-energy night filled with throwback hits, viral dance moments, and a packed crowd ready to relive the soundtrack of the late 2000s. The lineup, which also featured rapper Lil Xan, drew fans to the downtown venue for an evening centered on one of rap’s earliest internet-era superstars.

The tour featured a lineup of supporting artists that kept the energy high from the start. DJ Pain 1, Flame The Ruler, and Lil Xan warmed up the crowd before Soulja Boy eventually took the stage, each performer bringing their own style to the night and helping build momentum inside the venue. By the time the headliner arrived, the crowd was already buzzing.

Soulja Boy, best known for his breakout smash “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”, rose to fame during the early YouTube era and helped pioneer the internet-driven rise of viral hip-hop hits. Inside The Sylvee, fans jumped, danced, and rapped along as he ran through the songs that helped make him a household name, leaning heavily into the nostalgia that defined his late-2000s run.

One of the more unexpected and fun moments of the night came from the crowd itself. Members of the Wisconsin women’s hockey team were spotted in attendance, still proudly wearing their jerseys while dancing and celebrating with the rest of the audience. The national championship squad clearly knew the words just as well as everyone else, turning the night into an impromptu celebration.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was there to capture the night’s biggest moments, documenting the high-energy crowd, Soulja Boy’s larger-than-life stage presence, and the memorable scenes unfolding throughout the venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Soulja Boy’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

Concert Photos, Features, News

Check Out Our Photos of John Butler’s Concert at The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration

Fans packed The Sylvee in Madison on Tuesday, as acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist John Butler brought his band to the popular downtown venue for a night of groove-driven rock, roots, and extended instrumental jams, giving fans a full evening centered entirely on Butler’s powerful live performance.

Unlike many touring shows, the night featured no opening act, meaning the audience’s full attention was on Butler and his band from the moment they stepped on stage. Backed by a lineup that included original John Butler Trio drummer Michael Barker, along with Ian Peres on bass and keys and Michael Boase on percussion, the performance showcased the full-band dynamic Butler has leaned into on his latest tour.

The tour follows the release of Butler’s latest album PRISM, and the Madison stop highlighted the artist’s trademark style, blending intricate fingerpicked guitar passages with groove-heavy rhythms and expansive jams. Butler has long been known for his ability to stretch songs into powerful live moments, building layers of sound before unleashing soaring instrumental sections that electrify the room.

The Sylvee, one of the Wisconsin’s most popular club-sized concert venues with a capacity of roughly 2,500, provided an intimate setting for Butler’s performance, allowing fans to experience the nuance of his guitar work while still delivering the energy of a full-scale rock show.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was there to capture the highlights of the evening, documenting Butler’s passionate performance and the atmosphere inside the packed Madison venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at John Butler’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

  • Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: B2K, Bow Wow, Pretty Ricky and More Light Up Fiserv Forum

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Even a tornado watch couldn’t keep fans away from Fiserv Forum last night as B2K headlined The Millennium Tour Presents: The Boys 4 Life Tour, bringing a wave of early-2000s R&B and hip-hop nostalgia to the city.

Umbrellas and ponchos filled the streets outside the arena, but inside, thousands of fans were ready to relive the soundtrack of the Y2K era with a lineup stacked with artists who helped define it.

The evening unfolded as a rapid-fire celebration of throwback hits, beginning with Amerie, who kicked off the show with the kind of smooth R&B energy that immediately set the tone. From there the lineup rolled forward with Yung Joc, B5, Crime Mob, and Dem Franchize Boyz, each delivering short but energetic sets that had the crowd bouncing and singing along. The Millennium Tour has built its reputation on these stacked lineups, essentially turning the night into a living playlist of early-2000s radio favorites.

As the show moved deeper into the evening, the nostalgia only intensified. Pretty Ricky brought their signature R&B swagger to the stage before Bow Wow delivered one of the night’s most anticipated performances, running through hits that many fans in attendance grew up with. Throughout the night, the arena felt less like a traditional concert and more like a celebration of a musical era, with fans eagerly reliving songs that once dominated the charts and MTV.

By the time B2K finally took the stage to close out the night, the crowd was fully energized. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, the group delivered a headlining set packed with the songs that made them one of the most recognizable boy bands of the early 2000s. The performance served as both a reminder of their lasting influence and a fitting finale to a night dedicated to the artists who shaped the sound of the era.

Photographer Dan Garcia was there to capture the highlights from the stormy night inside the arena, documenting the stacked lineup of performers and the fans who refused to let the weather keep them from a night of nostalgia.

Check out our gallery below for a closer look at B2K’s Millennium Tour stop at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Photos by Dan Garcia.

  • Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Check Out Our Photos from The Devil Wear Prada’s Madison Show at The Sylvee

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Photo by Dan DeSlover for The Early Registration

Madison’s The Sylvee turned into a wall of sound on Wednesday, April 1, as metalcore favorites The Devil Wears Prada brought their Flowers Tour to the city for a night of relentless energy and heavy riffs. Fans packed the downtown venue as the longtime metalcore band delivered a powerful set that balanced crushing breakdowns with soaring melodic moments.

The evening featured a stacked lineup, with Four Year Strong and Split Chain joining the tour and setting the tone early in the night. Drawing a passionate crowd ready for a full evening of aggressive guitars and high-energy performances, Madison was ready.

For more than two decades, The Devil Wears Prada have remained one of the most influential bands in the modern metalcore scene. Known for blending punishing heaviness with emotional and introspective themes, the group has continued evolving its sound across a string of releases, including their 2022 album Color Decay, while maintaining a loyal fanbase worldwide.

Led by vocalist Mike Hranica alongside guitarist and vocalist Jeremy DePoyster, the band’s Madison performance showcased the intensity and passion that has defined their career. The group’s music often explores life’s extremes, from grappling with anxiety and loss to finding moments of hope and resilience, themes that resonate strongly with their fans in a live setting.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was there to capture the night’s biggest moments, from the band’s explosive stage presence to the crowd’s nonstop energy inside the venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at The Devil Wears Prada’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

  • Photo by Dan DeSlover for The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Maddie & Tae Bring the Love & Light Tour to The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration

Country fans gathered at The Sylvee in Madison on Saturday, March 28, as acclaimed duo Maddie & Tae brought their Love & Light Tour to the popular venue, just blocks from the Capitol Square. Known for their tight harmonies and heartfelt songwriting, the longtime friends and collaborators delivered a night filled with emotional ballads, upbeat country anthems, and plenty of moments that had the crowd singing along.

The evening began with a performance from Anna Vaus, who warmed up the crowd before Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr took the stage. The performance drew a strong turnout of fans eager to see the country duo perform in the intimate concert setting of The Sylvee.

Since breaking out with their 2013 hit “Girl In A Country Song,” Maddie & Tae have built a reputation for pairing clever lyrics with emotional storytelling. Over the years they’ve continued to grow their audience with songs like the multi-platinum “Die From A Broken Heart” and “Friends Don’t,” while carving out a space in country music as one of the genre’s most successful female duos.

The tour also celebrates the duo’s latest album, Love & Light, a 16-track project that highlights their signature blend of honest songwriting and harmony-driven country pop. Songs from the record have helped propel the pair into a new chapter of their career while keeping the relatable themes that fans have connected with since the beginning.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was there to capture the night’s biggest moments, from the duo’s energetic performance on stage to the enthusiastic crowd filling the venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Maddie & Tae’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

  • Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Black Label Society Brings Heavy Riffs to The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover for The Early Registration

Madison’s The Sylvee was packed to the brim for a sold-out night of heavy metal as Black Label Society stormed through the city on Friday, March 27. Fronted by guitar legend Zakk Wylde, the band delivered a thunderous performance filled with crushing riffs, soaring guitar solos, and the kind of larger-than-life energy that has made Wylde one of the most recognizable figures in modern metal.

Wylde actually pulled double duty during the evening, first taking the stage with Zakk Sabbath, his tribute band dedicated entirely to Black Sabbath classics. The project has become a fan favorite in its own right, and the set proved why.

Wylde, who famously served as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band, tore through Sabbath staples with ease, channeling the spirit of the originals while still making the songs feel massive and fresh in a live setting. And yes, in true Zakk Wylde fashion, he even managed a quick wardrobe refresh, swapping kilts between the two performances.

Later in the night, Wylde returned to the stage with Black Label Society, the band he founded in 1998 that has become a cornerstone of heavy music over the past two decades. The group’s mix of sludgy riffs, blues-inspired guitar work, and anthemic choruses filled the venue as fans packed shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the room, shouting along and raising horns in the air.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was on hand to capture the highlights from the night, from Wylde’s blistering guitar solos to the electric atmosphere inside the sold-out venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Black Label Society’s Madison stop at The Sylvee.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Cameron Whitcomb Brings the Fragile Egos Tour to The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover for The Early Registration

Madison music fans packed The Sylvee on Tuesday, March 17, as rising singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb brought his Fragile Egos Tour to the city for a memorable night of heartfelt storytelling and powerful vocals. The British Columbia native has quickly built a passionate following thanks to his raw honesty and emotionally charged songs, and his Madison stop showcased exactly why he’s one of the most exciting new voices in country-leaning folk and Americana.

The show drew fans of all ages to the downtown venue for an evening that balanced quiet, reflective moments with big sing-along choruses. Whitcomb’s music often pulls from his own life experiences, including leaving home at 17 and eventually channeling those struggles into songwriting that tackles vulnerability and recovery with striking honesty.

The young artist has seen a meteoric rise over the past year, amassing hundreds of millions of global streams and landing on several major “Artist to Watch” lists while touring across North America and Europe. His 2024 debut EP Quitter helped introduce his deeply personal storytelling style, and the songs translated effortlessly to the stage during his Madison performance.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was on hand to capture the evening’s highlights, from Whitcomb’s commanding stage presence to the crowd’s enthusiastic response throughout the set. Check out our gallery below for a look at Cameron Whitcomb’s stop at The Sylvee in Madison.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

  • Photo by Dan DeSlover for The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Check Out Our Photos of Rise Against’s Concert at The Sylvee in Madison

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Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration

Madison’s vibrant live music scene welcomed a powerful night of punk rock as Rise Against took over the stage at The Sylvee on Sunday, March 15. The Illinois-based band brought their signature blend of melodic punk, socially conscious lyrics, and explosive energy to the popular downtown venue, giving fans a night full of sing-along anthems and high-octane moments.

The evening featured a stacked lineup, with Destroy Boys and Koyo joining Rise Against as support acts. The evening drew fans from across Wisconsin to the 2,500-capacity venue for a packed night of live music.

For more than two decades, Rise Against has built a reputation as one of punk rock’s most impactful bands, combining driving guitars with lyrics that tackle social and political issues. Their live shows are known for their relentless energy and connection with the crowd, and their stop in Madison proved no different as fans filled The Sylvee to hear a mix of beloved hits and newer material.

Photographer Dan DeSlover was there to capture the night’s biggest moments, from the band’s electrifying performance on stage to the sea of fans singing along throughout the venue. Check out our gallery below for a closer look at Rise Against’s Madison stop.

Photos by Dan DeSlover.

  • Photo by Dan DeSlover/The Early Registration
Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Sips & Sounds 2026 Day 2, Foster the People, Flipturn and Calvin Harris Lead the Finale

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After an unforgettable opening night featuring Christina Aguilera, Day 2 of the Sips & Sounds Music Festival brought another stacked lineup to Auditorium Shores on Saturday, March 14, wrapping up the two-day event in style. Timed alongside the annual SXSW festivities across Austin, the festival once again drew thousands of fans to the waterfront park for a day packed with indie rock, rising pop stars, and one of the biggest names in electronic music.

With two stages, the Coca-Cola Stage and the SXSW Stage, the second day of the festival offered a steady flow of performances from early afternoon through late night, giving fans plenty of reasons to bounce between stages and soak in the festival atmosphere.

Mallrat Opens the Coca-Cola Stage

Australian pop artist Mallrat kicked off the afternoon on the Coca-Cola Stage, launching the day’s performances on the festival’s main stage. Her dreamy blend of indie pop and electronic elements made for a perfect early-day soundtrack as fans trickled into the park and spread out across the lawn. With Austin’s skyline rising behind the stage, Mallrat’s laid-back yet catchy set helped ease the crowd into the final day of the festival.

Jade LeMac Brings Rising Star Energy

Over on the SXSW Stage, Canadian singer-songwriter Jade LeMac delivered a set that showed why she’s quickly becoming one of pop’s most exciting young voices. With a powerful vocal presence and emotionally driven songs, LeMac connected easily with the audience.

Fans will have more chances to catch her soon, she’s slated to hit the road this summer as a supporting act on Hilary Duff’s upcoming tour, making her Sips & Sounds appearance feel like an early glimpse at a rapidly rising artist.

Stephen Sanchez Channels Vintage Pop Charm

Back on the Coca-Cola Stage, Stephen Sanchez transported the crowd with his retro-inspired sound and crooning vocal style. His set blended nostalgic influences with modern pop songwriting, creating a performance that felt both classic and fresh. Sanchez’s smooth delivery and charismatic stage presence turned the mid-afternoon slot into one of the day’s standout performances.

The Runarounds Keep the Momentum Going

The SXSW Stage then welcomed The Runarounds, who kept the festival energy rolling with an upbeat performance packed with indie-rock hooks and energetic guitar work. By this point in the afternoon, the crowd had grown considerably, and the band’s lively set helped push the festival atmosphere into full swing.

Foster The People Reflect on Their SXSW Roots

One of the day’s most memorable sets came from Foster the People, who returned to Austin with a performance that felt both celebratory and reflective. During the set, frontman Mark Foster told the crowd about playing one of the band’s very first shows at SXSW years ago for a crowd of just seven people.

The moment served as a reminder of how far the band has come, and a message about staying grounded even as success grows. With fans singing along to their signature indie-pop anthems, the performance felt like a full-circle SXSW moment.

Flipturn Closes the SXSW Stage

As evening approached, Flipturn took the stage to close out the SXSW Stage lineup for the weekend. The indie-rock group delivered a soaring, emotionally charged performance that drew one of the largest crowds the stage had seen all day. Their expansive sound and passionate delivery made for the perfect lead-in to the festival’s final headliner.

Calvin Harris Turns the Festival into a Massive Dance Party

To close out the festival, global EDM superstar Calvin Harris headlined the Coca-Cola Stage, delivering a massive set that transformed Auditorium Shores into a full-scale dance party.

As darkness fell over the Austin skyline, Harris unleashed a high-energy mix of chart-topping hits, club anthems, and festival favorites. Massive drops, pulsing lights, and thousands of fans dancing along created a fitting finale to the weekend.

The performance served as a high-octane ending to two days of music, bringing the 2026 edition of Sips & Sounds to an electrifying close.

A Perfect SXSW Weekend Finale

Across two days, Sips & Sounds once again proved why it has become one of Austin’s most exciting spring festivals. With a lineup that blended major global acts, beloved indie bands, and emerging artists, the event captured the creative energy that makes SXSW week in Austin so special.

And judging by the crowds and the performances, the festival’s 2026 edition left fans already looking forward to next year.

Photo Gallery

Scroll down to check out our full gallery of photos from Day 2 of the 2026 Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin.