Concert review: AJR w/ Lawrence & Quinn XCII | 07.26.25, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater (with photo gallery)

Photos of Jack Met of AJR by Laura Jerele

AJR’s Somewhere In The Sky set felt like stepping into a chaotic musical science fair—in the best way. Their show almost feels like a Disney Imagineer took acid and created a visual ride with the most fun and danceworthy soundtrack. Their show was incredibly innovative, visually stunning, a hell of a lot of fun, interactive, and high energy.

The Met brothers came out swinging with giant visuals thanks to a massive LED wall behind them that took the entire height and width of the stage. As expected, a never-lacking-energy Jack was bouncing all over the stage, constantly dancing, and jumping, channeling every bit of energy he has into his performance, despite the oppressive summer heat. His brother Ryan had his vibe going behind the keys and samples, and has just as much energy—even though he’s behind a keyboard, he is front and center on the stage. Missing from the band is brother, Adam, who has stepped away from the band at this time, but that does not mean this performance was at all lacking. The energy was nonstop and it’s like they don’t know how to not perform at full throttle. Even the ‘slower’ moments felt huge. It was theatrical, nerdy, emotional, and somehow still one big dance party. It was freaking fabulous!

This tour included several opening acts. This evening included Quinn XCII and the band Lawrence from NYC. Quinn XCII (that’s Quinn ninety-two for those who don’t know) delivers an infectious and high-energy performance that effortlessly blends pop, hip-hop, reggae, and electronic influences into one feel-good experience. He had diehard fans decked out in the front row complete with tattoos of the artist across their arms. They sang along to EVERY word, to every song, despite the heat (I told you they were utter diehards!). 

Lawrence is like a burst of pure musical joy on stage—think funk, soul, and pop all wrapped in sibling banter and powerhouse vocals. Fronted by Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, their live shows feel like a party where every band member is having the time of their life and it’s contagious. With tight horn sections, slick grooves, and high-energy choreography that was never hokey (but totally funny at times), Lawrence turned the venue into a full-blown dance floor. Gracie’s vocals are jaw-dropping—she was a total standout of the night for me. Clyde’s keys are electric, and their chemistry is as fun as it is impressive. Seeing Lawrence live is less like attending a concert and more like being swept into a soulful, feel-good jam session complete with some silly props that made the stage feel like another member of the band, totally worth watching. | Laura Jerele