Photo Gallery: Hawthorne Heights | 04.28.24, City Winery

w/ Bike Routes

It’s been 20 years since Hawthorne Heights released their 2004 breakout album, The Silence in Black and White. The post-hardcore emo quartet celebrated the 10-year anniversary with an acoustic re-envisioning album and a world tour. Choosing to bring the “Behind the Tears” acoustic tour to more intimate venues was a conscious decision made by the band to really connect with their fans. Hawthorne Heights has been through many challenges including the death of guitarist Casey Calvert in 2007, multiple lineup changes, and navigating the future. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist JT Woodruff reflects on the band’s journey between each song while giving the audience a peek into the inspiration behind the songs. Looking back on these stories with 20 years of experience and growth, there are a lot of laughs shared between Woodruff, bassist Matt Ridenour, lead guitarist Mark McMillon, and drummer Chris Popadak.

I’ll be honest, as a former emo kid, it feels like I’m in an alternate universe sitting at a table on a Sunday evening with my paloma listening to Hawthorne Heights play their music but I’m in good company. Chatting with others seated next to me, we all acknowledge how different this experience is from the seedy clubs and scorching days of Warped Tour we all once knew. I guess this is growing up.

You can catch Hawthorne Heights on their “Is For Lovers” festival tour at Pop’s in Sauget, Illinois on Saturday, July 27. Support includes Thursday, Anberlin, Armor For Sleep, Stick To Your Guns, This Wild Life, and Life In Idle. Click here for tickets! | Holly Kite