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John Summit brought the party to a close at SXSW 2025 with his captivating performance.
In an exhilarating finale, John Summit graced the stage on the third and final night of Billboard’s The Stage At SXSW on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This celebrated dance music artist ended a dynamic week in Austin with a remarkable show that attracted one of the largest audiences in recent history at the Moody Amphitheater.
Nearly 5,000 fans filled the venue, from the back grassy area to the front pit, transforming the night into an electrifying spectacle. Many eager attendees who were unable to enter the Amphitheater opted to watch from a nearby parking garage, all eager to witness the vibrant display of lights, stunning visuals, and an impressive array of pyrotechnics.
The evening kicked off with a performance by Jordan Miller, who energized the crowd with nostalgic tracks, including TLC’s classic “No Scrubs.” Following him, Nala, a Miami native based in Los Angeles, lit up the stage with her signature tracks, also later entertaining fans at the downtown afterparty. As the clock struck 9:45 p.m., Summit made a stylish entrance clad in white attire, instantly igniting cheers from the crowd as he launched into his hit songs, including “Where You Are” and “Shiver,” seamlessly blending various dance music styles and featuring surprise guests.
Summit’s closing show followed an exciting Thursday night performance by country artist Koe Wetzel and a vibrant Friday show by Grupo Frontera from Mexico.
The Vocalists
During his set, Summit invited Australian singer-songwriter Cloves to perform their collaborative track “Focus,” which has been a favorite on the charts. Later, South African-British vocalist Julia Church joined him to perform “Go Back,” a collaboration with drum & bass legend Sub Focus, enriching the performance with their dynamic vocals. The crowd fully engaged, singing along to “Where You Are,” where the collective energy amplified the experience, demonstrating Summit’s knack for inclusivity during live performances.
The Audience
The atmosphere at the Amphitheater was electric, with an audience donned in eclectic rave outfits, and their enthusiasm was evident as they sang along to popular tracks, danced vigorously, and recorded memorable moments, such as during Summit’s remix of “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap. Following the concert, many revelers joined the late-night afterparty downtown, featuring another engaging set by Nala and a performance from KSHMR.
The Visual Experience
The stage production was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a blend of explosive pyrotechnics and Summit’s infectious energy as he engaged with the crowd, singing along and commanding the stage. Behind him, stunning visuals on massive screens transformed throughout the night with intricate geometric patterns and explosive color displays, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere—especially during “Focus,” which featured nostalgia-laden visuals imitating a ’90s VHS aesthetic from its music video.
The Intimate Atmosphere
Summit’s performance at the comparatively intimate Moody Amphitheater, which accommodates around 5,000 attendees, was a unique experience for fans, distinct from his recent performances at larger venues like Madison Square Garden. This size fostered a more personal connection between Summit and the fans, reminiscent of his underground-focused Experts Only series that emphasizes intimate gatherings in club-like settings.
The Musical Journey
As the head of his label, Experts Only, Summit expertly balanced popular hits with fresh underground tracks. His setlist included fan favorites like “Where You Are,” “Go Back,” “Focus,” and “Shiver,” alongside lesser-known tracks like Nord Pole’s “Trancecatcher” and Wthbrdrs’ “Monks Dance.” With smooth transitions, he also included remixes from his catalog, navigating various genres, culminating in a surprising foray into dubstep that thrilled the crowd and left Summit himself astonished.
Source
www.billboard.com