bôa shines bright at First Avenue

Dream, Ivory

Dream, Ivory’s performance was a blend of dream pop-esque indie rock. Held in an intimate venue that perfectly matched their lo-fi, shoegaze-inspired aesthetic, the show was both immersive and deeply personal.

From the moment their first chords rang out, the crowd was captivated. Their  blend of reverb-heavy guitars, soft vocals, and solid drums created an atmosphere that felt nostalgic yet unique to themselves. Their setlist showcased their ability to balance melancholy with warmth, with lead singer Louie Baello’s voice floating effortlessly above the hazy instrumentals.

What stood out most was the emotional vulnerability on stage. Between songs, the brothers shared stories about how grateful they were that people enjoyed their music, creating an even stronger bond with the audience. The lighting was minimal, allowing the music to take center stage and wash over the crowd in waves.

The band played “Welcome and goodbye,” a fan favorite, leaving the audience swaying and silent—fully absorbed. Dream, Ivory’s performance was a transportive experience, blurring the line between dream and reality in the best way possible.

The setlist was a thoughtful mix of old and new. Songs from their recent album Whiplash, particularly the haunting “Strange Few” and the driving title track—proved that Bôa isn’t relying on the past. 

First Avenue’s mainroom served as a great venue for their layered sound room to breathe, and the band leaned into the intimacy, sharing stories and exchanging smiles with the crowd between songs. Rodgers was especially charismatic, showing a quiet confidence that matched the music’s emotional range.

By the end of the night, as “Duvet” closed the encore to roaring applause, it was clear: Bôa’s Minneapolis show wasn’t just a concert—it was a mix of nostalgia, rediscovery, and renewed artistic fire. I have seen my fair share of iconic performances, and this one—gentle, powerful, unforgettable—has establoshed a place among them.