Djo with Post Animal in Madison, WI

My day kicked off with a strong cup of coffee and some exciting news—an ideal start, especially with a show I was looking forward to capturing later that night. I’ve been a fan of Joe Keery since high school, admiring not just his acting but also his music. When he released his debut album Twenty Twenty in 2019 under the moniker Djo, I was instantly hooked. The name “Djo” serves as his musical alter ego, adding another layer of intrigue to his artistry. With that in mind, I headed to the venue brimming with anticipation.

The evening opened with a performance by Post Animal, a psychedelic rock band from Chicago. Their sound is packed with infectious hooks and rich, immersive soundscapes. I’ve been listening to them for a while, so seeing them live—especially as the opener for Djo—was a real treat. As soon as they stepped on stage, the energy in the room surged. The band’s chemistry was palpable, and their music created a captivating, almost magical atmosphere. About halfway through their set, the excitement reached a new level when former bandmate Joe Keery joined them on stage to play guitar. It was an unforgettable moment and a thrill to photograph.

Then came the main event: Djo. An alternative/indie rock artist from Newburyport, MA, he had just released his latest album The Crux on April 4th. The album is endlessly creative and incredibly addictive; I’ve had it on repeat since it dropped. Needless to say, I was beyond excited to see him perform live.

The band took the stage first, each member finding their place—including all of Post Animal, who returned to join Djo for his set. Finally, Djo himself walked out, greeted the crowd with a warm wave, and set a mug down on his keyboard before slinging on his guitar and launching into the first song. The sold-out crowd erupted. Throughout the night, fans sang along word-for-word, dancing and cheering with unrelenting energy. Djo’s infectious smile and charming dance moves made the entire performance feel like a giant, joy-filled party.

Capturing the show was an absolute blast—an experience I won’t soon forget. Check out my photos below: