Shows

Summer School Makes the Grade in Chicago

Miguel Peralta
Jul 16, 2025
6 min read

The Summer School Tour by idobi Radio made its way back to Chicago this year. It's become known as a tour that consists of rising talents, as well as artists who have solidified themselves in the scene.


We began the night with Huddy. He launched his career in 2021 riding the wave of TikTok’s rise, and gaining popularity through his stint as an actor.

His energy and theatrics definitely carried over into his performance. He was eye-catching from the moment he stepped on stage, from his dancing to the way he worked the crowd, and interacting with fans without missing a beat. His set featured some of his most popular songs, including “All the Things I Hate About You,” and set the tone for a night meant to be memorable and full of excitement.

Once Huddy hit the stage, the energy didn’t stop. He got the Vic Theatre hyped for the rest of the night.


After finally catching our breath from Huddy’s set, Beauty School Dropout was up next. What can I say, they definitely lived up to their name. I have one word to describe them: hair. And I mean that in the best way possible.

They were, hands down, my favorite of the night. Their music had a pop-punk tone, which happens to be my personal favorite genre. My favorite song of theirs was their opener, "Fever." It was insanely energetic and actually had me moving in the pit, too. The crowd was feeling the vibe as well.

Their setlist was packed with songs that got the crowd involved. “Fever,” for example, has a part where the band claps, and the crowd followed right along. It was amazing to see such a lively audience this early in the night, but honestly, it was expected with the energy they brought.


Up next was If Not For Me, easily the most surprising set of the night. And by that, I mean I did not expect them to sound that heavy.

If Not For Me was the icing on the cake that proved this year’s Summer School was just as stacked as previous years. After finishing my photo duties, I stayed near the barrier to watch them perform. I was honestly taken back by the music. I love me some metalcore, and I’ll absolutely rock out with the crowd when it hits like that.

Definitely a favorite for me, and I even added a few of their songs to my playlist.


Arrows in Action brought theatrics and energy that had the crowd going insane from the jump. To kick off their set, the band tossed inflatable beach balls into the crowd to match their workout and sweatpants theme. I loved how the band coordinated their outfits to keep the aesthetic alive.

It was full speed and nonstop jokes with Arrows in Action. Honestly, it was refreshingly different. By that, I mean, I really enjoy when bands can keep things professional but still bring their own flavor — in this case, the inflatables and the wardrobe choices did exactly that.

Definitely one to remember!


Rain City Drive, the one band I was looking forward to seeing most. Chicago was in for a treat, especially with the band releasing their new single, "Ride or Die," just a week before.

Right from the jump, you could tell the crowd was ready. The cheers echoed throughout the venue as they kicked off their set. Rain City Drive brought their best to Chicago, not just to showcase their earlier work, but to make a statement. They’re here to keep pushing boundaries and further solidify themselves as a force to watch.


Taylor Acorn — wow. A voice you just have to stand there and admire.

Her style is often compared to Paramore, which she seems to take as a huge compliment. And, honestly, getting compared to a powerhouse like Hayley Williams would be an honor, if you ask me.

Her stage presence was also something to note. She loved keeping the crowd involved, from reacting to signs to shaking hands and giving high fives. As talented as she is vocally, she's just as strong when it comes to crowd work.

This was my first time hearing Taylor Acorn live, and like I said at the beginning — wow.


Closing it out in Chicago was none other than the incredibly talented Charlotte Sands. I absolutely loved her set.

As a photographer, she gave us so many amazing poses and moments — the kind that, if you weren’t paying attention, you could miss forever. Musically, her range is mesmerizing. The fact that she was able to hold notes after running around and giving the audience a full show was incredible.

The energy never slowed down. I couldn’t believe Chicago was matching her the whole time.

Lyrically, Charlotte Sands took a moment to reflect on her journey and how extremely grateful she was to be in her position. It felt like a heart-to-heart with everyone in the room. She really gave us a moment of her being one of us — someone who, regardless of her success, wouldn’t be where she is without the support system she has, both at home and professionally.


The Summer School Tour is something special. It gives emerging artists the chance to launch themselves into the spotlight while helping solidify other bands in their current path, giving them that extra boost to keep pushing their work further. But honestly, who wins more than us, the fans? We’re the ones who get to witness it all. From discovering new sounds to supporting our favorite bands from the very beginning and every step of the way. Because, when it comes down to it, we’re all here for the same thing — the love of music.

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