Page 101 - ION Indie Magazine November December 2019 Issue

It was about five minutes after the show was scheduled to start when the lights
dimmed and the crowd erupted with a welcoming cheer for the opening act, Donzii.
As my eyes adjusted, I could barely make out 4 shadows walking across the stage,
each with a small potted plant in their hand.

They were moving in a way that looked less like they were a musical group
performing at a concert and more like they were actors in a play. No words, but their
bodies were flopping around the place, hands flailing in the darkness. Donzii and her
band were here to entertain!

As the lights flashed on, the stage morphed to a shade of dark red, emitting just
enough light to capture the glimmer of opening act Donzii lead singer’s sparkly dress
as it twinkled, reflecting the crimson lights. The crowd was eating it up…they loved
her and for good reason.

Her palpable energy and exuberant presence inspired a plethora of whistles and
screams from the crowd. Each time she jumped from one side of the stage to the
other or kicked the air as she emphasized a certain part of her song, the crowd
responded enthusiastically. Donzii was the opener the crowd didn’t know they
wanted, but the one that they needed.

As the set came to an end, Donzii asked if the fans were ready for The Growlers,
and judging by the raucous response, the audience had been set ablaze by Donzii’s
fiery performance. She punctuated her set by rocking out with one last song
selection.

Then, each member picked up their plant, and as they departed the stage, Donzii
said, “You guys are amazing! Thank you so much! Come down to Miami with me
and we can have some more fun there. I love you and goodnight!”

As I was taking photos in the pit, I turned to the fans, who were so open and inviting
to me, and captured images of them. I even made a few new friends in the process.
But then The Growlers took the stage…