Article and Photos by: Rudy Salgado

Los Angeles, California – On August 31st, The Torch at the LA Memorial Coliseum hosted a festival that felt like stepping into a time machine for every emo and punk fan who lived through the early 2000s. Hawthorne Heights, the Ohio-based band that captured the heart of the emo scene with their 2004 anthem “Ohio Is For Lovers,” brought their traveling festival “Is For Lovers” to Los Angeles, presenting a day filled with nostalgia, tears, and unforgettable performances.

The “Is For Lovers” festival has grown since its inception, becoming a cherished annual event that celebrates the bands that shaped a generation. This year’s lineup was a testament to the enduring legacy of the emo and punk scenes, featuring a mix of legendary bands and rising stars. BOYCOMMA, New Aesthetic, This Wild Life, Stick To Your Guns, A Static Lullaby, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Bilmuri, Cartel, Anberlin, Finch, and SAOSIN graced the two stages aptly named after Casey Calvert and John “Beatz” Holohan, two musicians who tragically passed away too soon but whose influence lives on.

As the sun began to set, Hawthorne Heights took the stage on the Casey Calvert Stage, and the crowd was instantly transported back to the early 2000s. JT Woodruff, the band’s lead singer, shared heartfelt memories with the audience, reminiscing about the band’s humble beginnings—sleeping on fans’ couches and playing shows for a mere $50. “We were just ordinary people with a dream,” JT said, addressing the crowd of long-time fans, some of whom had brought their children to experience the music that defined their youth. This intergenerational gathering highlighted the festival’s success in connecting different generations through music.

The band’s performance was a perfect blend of old favorites and new material, including their latest song “Gold Econoline.” The lyrics to this track captured the essence of the band’s journey, reflecting on the early days of touring and the memories they created along the way:

*”I close my eyes

And I melt back the years

Back to 2005, when my world was so clear…”*

The crowd sang along, their voices merging with JT’s as he pointed to the stage’s name while singing, “when Casey was still alive.” It was a powerful moment, a reminder of the band’s history and the friends they’ve lost along the way.

The festival wasn’t just about the music; it was about the experience. Walking through the venue, you could see fans of all ages, from those who were there during the scene’s peak to newer fans discovering these bands for the first time. Parents with children on their shoulders, couples holding hands, and groups of friends reliving their youth—it was a beautiful sight, a testament to the lasting impact of emo and punk music.

The California sun shone brightly as The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus played their iconic hit “Face Down,” a song that brought back memories of Warped Tour mosh pits and late-night drives with friends. Anberlin delivered a set that was as powerful as it was emotional, reminding everyone why they were one of the most beloved bands of the mid-2000s. Finch and SAOSIN brought their signature energy, leaving the crowd buzzing with adrenaline and excitement.

As the night came to a close, JT announced that Hawthorne Heights would be signing merch after the show, a gesture that highlighted their deep connection with their fans. “We’ll be back next year,” JT promised, leaving everyone eager for the festival’s return.

For many, this festival was more than just a concert—it was a chance to heal old wounds, to reconnect with the music that helped them survive the difficult times, and to remember the friends and loved ones who are no longer here. The “Is For Lovers” festival was the perfect place to cry, to laugh, and to remember that, even after all these years, the music still matters.

In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s comforting to know that some things remain the same. As the crowd dispersed, there was a sense of contentment in the air—a feeling that, even if just for a day, everyone had been transported back to a time when life was simpler, and the music was everything.

As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that “Is For Lovers” is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of a culture that refuses to fade away. And as long as there are fans who love this music, the festival will continue to be a place where memories are made, dreams are rekindled, and the music lives on.