As a young teenager, I would often run up the stairs after school to my room with my trusty Sony headphones on at level 9, blasting Dashboard Confessional's "Swiss Army Romance" until the batteries died. The album's raw emotion and relatable lyrics provided a much-needed outlet for my own teenage angst. I remember feeling a deep connection to Chris Carrabba's voice, his words echoing my own inner turmoil as Screaming Infidelities’s lyrics branded my already notebook full of lyrics from bands like New Found Glory, and Yellowcard.

It was in those same seasons The Vans Warped Tour were a blur of mosh pits, sweat, and unforgettable sets in which those same bands would come and perform to a variety of both angsty and privileges teens who were lucky enough to be there. I specifically remember watching Boys Like Girls from a side stage with my friends as we were all captivated by their energetic performance and Martin Johnson's charismatic stage presence. Those carefree summers, filled with friendship, adventure, and a sense of endless possibilities were always the pinnacle to a much boring Indiana school season.

I was lucky enough to come to Indy last Sunday and be in the wacky world of my younger days for just one night. I was transported back to the emo-infused days of the 2000s, when Dashboard Confessional and Boys Like Girls ruled the myspace pages and the iTunes Store had a grip hold on my parent’s wallet. The concert was a nostalgic journey for fans who grew up with their music, a chance to relive the angst, and the heartbreak that defined an era.

Boys Like Girls kicked off the night with a high-energy set that immediately set the tone for the evening. Their opening song, "Sunday At Foxwoods," was a perfect choice, its infectious melody and soaring vocals immediately igniting the crowd. Martin Johnson, the band's charismatic frontman, commanded the stage with his trademark energy, jumping and dancing throughout the set. His voice was as powerful as ever, delivering each lyric with passion and conviction. The band's setlist was a greatest hits compilation, featuring fan favorites like "Love Drunk," "Thunder," and "The Great Escape."

Dashboard Confessional followed, and their set was a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Chris Carrabba, the band's frontman, is a master of vulnerability, pouring his heart and soul into every lyric. He delivered iconic songs like "Hands Down," "Vindicated," and "Don’t Wait" with the same raw intensity as he did when they were first released. His voice was filled with emotion, conveying the pain, the longing, and the hope that is at the heart of the band's music.

The crowd was a diverse mix of ages, from young teenagers to adults in their 40s. Many of them had grown up with the bands' music, and it was evident in their passionate singing along and dancing. It was a heartwarming sight to see people of all ages coming together to celebrate the music that had shaped their lives. Carrabba joked that babysitters in town must be making a fortune as he knew most of people who grew up with thier music were at that point in life where listeners have traded in their skinny jeans for something more breathable.

The concert was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was a celebration of the enduring power of music. Dashboard Confessional and Boys Like Girls proved that their music is timeless, capable of connecting with audiences of all ages.The night was a reminder of the importance of music in our lives, its ability to heal, inspire, and bring people together.

One of the most striking aspects of the concert was the crowd's reaction to the bands' music. The audience was filled with nostalgia, singing along to every word of every song. It was as if they were reliving their teenage years, transported back to a simpler time. The energy in the room was palpable, and it was clear that the bands had a deep connection with their fans.

After the show, I spoke to several fans who had attended the concert. They all had the same thing to say: "It was like stepping back in time. Hearing those songs again brought back so many memories." Yes. It was like being surrounded by a family of like-minded people all over again.

To capture the nostalgia and raw emotion of the concert, I decided to shoot all of my photos in black and white. I wanted to highlight the timeless quality of the music and the timeless memories it evoked. The black and white aesthetic also added a sense of melancholy and longing, perfectly reflecting the nostalgic mood of the evening.