Photos By: Tom Rentz
On a warm summer evening, the ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park in Cincinnati transformed into a haven for music lovers, hosting an unforgettable night featuring the ethereal sounds of The Japanese House and the electrifying performance of Maggie Rogers.
Opening the night, The Japanese House, the solo project of Amber Bain, set the tone with a mesmerizing performance. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Bain's blend of dreamy pop and intricate electronic beats created an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Her voice, delicate yet powerful, floated effortlessly over the crowd, weaving through songs like "Boyhood" and "Saw You in a Dream."
The stage design complemented The Japanese House's aesthetic perfectly, with soft, ambient lighting that shifted in sync with the music, enhancing the ethereal quality of the performance. Bain's interaction with the audience was minimal but sincere, letting the music speak for itself. Her set concluded with "Sunshine Baby," leaving the crowd in a state of serene anticipation for what was to come.
As the night fully embraced Smale Park, Maggie Rogers took the stage, igniting an immediate surge of energy among the attendees. Dressed in her signature eclectic style, Rogers radiated charisma and confidence from the moment she stepped into the spotlight.
Opening with "It Was Coming All Along," Rogers captivated the audience with her dynamic presence and unrelenting enthusiasm. Her powerful vocals and the tight-knit performance of her band brought each song to life, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and expansive.
The setlist was a well-curated mix of tracks from her albums Heard It in a Past Life, Surrender and her new album Don't Forget Me. Highlights included the soulful "Light On," where Rogers' voice soared with raw emotion, and the anthemic "Love You For A Long Time," which had the crowd swaying in unison. The energy peaked during "Alaska," her breakthrough hit, where the audience's singing rivaled Rogers' own, creating a communal moment of pure joy. She did perform all but one song off her new album "Don't Forget Me" which was released on April 12th this year.
One of the most memorable aspects of Rogers' performance was her interaction with the crowd. Between songs, she shared anecdotes about her songwriting process, her experiences on the road, and her appreciation for the support of her fans. These moments of connection added depth to the performance, making the night feel like a shared journey rather than just a concert.
The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park proved to be an ideal venue for this event. Located along the riverfront, the open-air setting offered stunning views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline. The natural beauty of the park, combined with the clear summer night, created an idyllic backdrop for the music.
The sound quality was impeccable, with each note and lyric resonating clearly throughout the space. The lighting design for both acts was visually engaging, enhancing the mood of each performance without overwhelming the senses.
The combination of The Japanese House and Maggie Rogers provided a perfect balance of dreamy introspection and exuberant energy. The night was a testament to the power of live music to connect people and create lasting memories. Whether it was the haunting melodies of The Japanese House or the infectious energy of Maggie Rogers, each moment felt meticulously crafted and genuinely heartfelt.

As the final notes of Rogers' encore faded into the night, the crowd lingered, reluctant to let go of the magic that had enveloped Smale Park. It was a concert experience that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, a reminder of the beauty of live performance and the enduring power of music to bring people together.
Setlist:
- It Was Coming All Along
- Drunk
- So Sick Of Dreaming
- The Kill
- Say It
- Dog Years
- Love You For A Long Time
- Never Going Home
- Retrograde
- If Now Was Then
- I Still Do
- Alaska
- Back In My Body
- Light On
- That's Where I Am
- All The Same
- Don't Forget Me
Photos By: Tom Rentz
Setlist:
- Sad To Breathe
- Touching Yourself
- Something Has To Change
- Morning Pages
- Boyhood
- You Seemed So Happy
- Baby Goes Again
- Saw You In A Dream
- Worms
- :)
- Sunshine Baby