The idobi Radio Summer School Tour made its way through Florida, this time stopping at the iconic House of Blues Orlando. Now in its third year, Summer School, co-founded by Kevin Lyman (Warped Tour), is well-established as a showcase for the scene's most promising acts, with the Class of 2026 including Honey Revenge, Winona Fighter, Games We Play, South Arcade, and Chase Petra. Each artist brought their authentically defined sound, proving why they earned their spot on the Summer School lineup.
Every date of Summer School begins with a specially curated local band, and for the Orlando show the chosen artist was Pretty Pity. Kicking the night off with a short twenty minute set, the Tampa-based band used every second they had to share their energetic music. With the way they got the crowd hyped up, one could expect to see them on a future Summer School lineup as a touring band.
Up first from the official Summer School lineup was Chase Petra. Consisting of only singer-guitarist Hunter Allen and a backing drummer, the two-part band gave everything they had and it was nothing short of impressive. In just five songs, they got the crowd cheering, chanting, and even "shaking ass," as per the band's request during "Soda Pop." Despite Summer School being geared towards a general pop punk sound, their set highlight was most definitely when they slowed it down for "Pacific." Exciting things are on the horizon for this rising artist, and Summer School is the perfect platform to keep their momentum going.
Up next, all the way from the Oxford, was the Y2Kcore band South Arcade. Storming the stage with high energy and keeping it up throughout the set, their upbeat melodies with heavier instrumental breakdowns mixed in provided a refreshing contrast from the act that came before them, and this shift in sound was readily accepted by the crowd. Following Stand Atlantic from the inaugural lineup as the second international act in the tour’s history, South Arcade had a high standard to meet, which they undoubtedly did.
From there, Games We Play brought their infectious banter and catchy choruses to the House of Blues stage. Standing against a spray-painted backdrop with his upcoming album's title, "I Wish I Never Quit," frontman Emmyn Calleiro told the story behind falling out and back in love with making music. Whether it was the vulnerable anecdotes, the heartfelt lyrics, or the onstage antics, Games We Play completely won over the crowd by the time they closed out with their hit single, "I Hope You're Happy."
Afterwards, Summer School first-timers Winona Fighter took the stage by storm. The punk band has erupted onto the scene after the release of their first full-length album just last year. Orlando absolutely showed out, with frontwoman Coco Luther noting this stop's crowd had the most Winona Fighter shirts and signs. This level of support was shown not only through merch, but completely matched in energy, with the crowd moshing, crowdsurfing, and singing at the tops of their lungs through every song in the banger-after-banger set. Finishing with "HAMMS IN A GLASS" the band presented what might have been one of the all-around most refined Summer School sets.
The hype didn't stop there, with Honey Revenge finally playing to the Orlando crowd. Having opened for the inaugural Summer School Tour in 2024, the pop rock duo returned as this year's headliners, now with two more years of defining their sound, look, and performance under their belts. Their set covered most of their freshman full-length album, Retrovision, which they have built their reputation off of over the last three years, as well as exciting new singles such as "Run Your Mouth" and "Hot Commodity" off their upcoming album, Loving and Losing. With each song, old or new, singer Devin Papadol and guitarist Donny Lloyd presented their undeniable stage chemistry. Whether it was longtime fans or first-time listeners, Honey Revenge got everyone in the crowd dancing and singing.
Honey Revenge's return to the Summer School stage is a testament to what the tour is all about. While many of these bands are filling opening slot after opening slot, playing regional legs on a larger band’s tour, Summer School is meant to allow these bands a chance to play a full cross-country tour and build their fanbase up. With two more weeks to go, the Class of 2026 will make their way through the Northeast, Midwest, Southwest, and ending in the Pacific Northwest. Be sure to catch your nearest stop to see these bands before they blow up.
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