On the night of Sunday, March 5, fans wrapped around the block of the 9:30 Club. Itching to get inside, hollers of excitement erupted between groups as they awaited entrance into the venue. Anticipation filled the air as the line slowly lurched forward, stepping closer and closer to the moment Colony House would take the stage. 

Hailing from Franklin, Tennesse, Colony House has been making massive waves in the music industry, both literally and metaphorically with the release of their latest album The Cannonballers. Known for their infectious sound, captivating lyrics, and entertaining shows, Colony House was fully prepared to set the stage on fire. Following the band’s smooth string of tours across southern parts of the U.S., Colony House’s long-awaited show finally arrived to satisfy supporters. Yet, their dazzling performance in D.C. did everything but quench fans’ thirst for more.

An hour after doors opened their arms to eager fans, the lights dimmed for opening act, Little Image, to make their D.C. debut. Little Image primed the crowd with exhilarating energy, provoking further anticipation for Colony House’s set. At one point, the drummer, Troy Bruner, even lept into the crowd landing on a wave of people who held him up while lead singer, Jackson Simmers, carried out the rest of the drum solo. 

After a brief intermission filled with classic surf rock hits, Colony House’s drummer, Will Chapman, appeared on an elevated platform under the bright white lights, prompting thunderous roars from the audience. Suddenly, a switch flipped, illuminating the cannonballer boy backdrop, and thus appeared lead singer, Caleb Chapman, guitarist Scott Mills, and bassist Parke Cottrel, opening with Landlocked Surf Rock. 

Within seconds of the first song, fans were already bobbing their heads and bodies up and down to the beat of the drums. From the bottom of the pit to the edges of the balcony, echoes of pure joy and reiterations of lyrics flooded the venue. Leaning on the edge of the stage was lead singer Caleb Chapman, who quickly darted into the pit. The crowd grew wild with exuberance as Caleb sang Would Ya Could Ya face-to-face with fans, even putting his arm around some. Little did fans know he would be back inside the crowd two more times before the night was over.

After making his way back to the stage, the band erupted in passion performing Sihouettes, followed by heartfelt single, Learning How to Love. Caleb then took to the microphone shouting proudly, “DC what’s up?” Elicit exclamations immediately arose from fans. 

“We’ve been playing this city for a long time and always dreamed about playing at the 9:30 Club. The 9:30 Club is a very special place where we’ve watched some of our favorite bands perform,” said Caleb, sharing this monumental moment with the audience. “To sing our songs feels very special.” 

Smiles illuminated the room. The band geared up to play Trying to Survive and although this was Caleb’s first time playing it live on the backup acoustic guitar, the song sounded phenomenal. Next up were four singles from the new album, Where I’m From, Man on the Run, Don’t Give Up On Me, and One of Those Days. Fans switched from swaying back and forth in waves to shaking the venue with their jumps. 

When it came time to play 2:20 listeners were surprised by Colony House’s notion to choose an audience member to perform the track. A young man holding a sign was plucked from the crowd and pulled on stage. Shredding back to back with guitarist and bassist, he murdered the guitar portion of the song with a Colony House pic in hand. Caleb wrapped up with the final guitar solo, giving another shout-out to his fan.