The Lumineers – Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul MN – July 20th 2025

On July 20th, local indie rock favorites Hippo Campus brought their infectious energy and signature sound to the Xcel Energy Center, delivering a performance that was both intimate and electrifying—even in a venue of that scale.

From the first note, the band commanded the stage with a vibrant, high-energy set that had the crowd fully engaged. Beloved tracks like “Buttercup” and “Way It Goes” turned the arena into a massive singalong, with fans dancing, shouting lyrics, and feeding off the band’s dynamic presence.

Despite the size of the venue, the performance felt personal. Hippo Campus’ tight musicianship was on full display, balanced with playful moments of onstage banter and goofy charm that showcased their easy chemistry and authentic connection to the audience.

With their seamless blend of indie rock and pop, Hippo Campus once again proved why they’ve earned such a loyal following. It was a night that highlighted the band at their most confident, most fun, and undeniably at home in front of a packed hometown crowd.

The Lumineers packed the Xcel Energy Center on Friday night, delivering a high-energy, heartfelt, and surprisingly intimate performance that made the massive arena feel like a much smaller room shared between friends.

The band powered through a nearly 30-song setlist, seamlessly blending fan favorites like “Ophelia,” “Cleopatra,” and the hauntingly beautiful “Donna.” Throughout the night, frontman Wesley Schultz’s vocals carried raw emotion that resonated across the venue, prompting thousands of voices to sing along to every word.

The group’s chemistry was effortless, their sound tight and soulful, but what truly set this show apart were the unexpected, human moments. One of the night’s most unforgettable highlights came when Schultz stepped off the stage during “BRIGHTSIDE” and began weaving his way through the crowd—singing, strumming, and connecting directly with fans. In one spontaneous move, he even grabbed a fan’s beer and took a sip mid-song, much to the crowd’s delight.

It’s moments like those that blur the line between audience and artist, transforming a massive venue into a shared experience. The Lumineers once again proved why they’re among the best live acts today—authentic, magnetic, and able to turn any space into something personal.

If you haven’t seen them live yet, consider this your sign: don’t miss it.