Photographer: Hannah Pohlmeyer
The Maine turns Denver’s Ogden Theatre into a resilient celebration
I Love You But I Choose The Maine Tour delivered an unforgettable sold-out night at Denver’s Ogden Theatre. Featuring electrifying performances from Franklin Jonas and the Byzantines, Grayscale and Nightly. The Maine delivered a career-spanning headlining set that was unforgettable.
The Maine
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04/04/2026 Ogden Theater,
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The Maine ✰ 04/04/2026 Ogden Theater, ✰
On April 4th, 2026 at the Ogden Theater, The Maine brought their I Love You But I Choose The Maine Tour to a sold out crowd in Denver, CO. On the cusp of their new album, Joy Next Door, being released on April 10th, the energy and excitement was evident in the packed theater.
Following Grayscale was alternative pop band, Nightly, who also shared their set-up was stuck in Wyoming and they would be performing an acoustic set as well. Frontman Jonathan Capeci and drummer Nick Sainato performed fan-favorites like “1989” and “Hate My Favorite Band” as well as a cover of Johnny Cash’s iconic “Ring of Fire”. Although the typical energy was missing from both Grayscale and Nightly, audience members were excited by the unique set and seeing the bands push through despite the unfortunate circumstances. After Nightly finished up on stage, the crowd began to noticeably buzz with anticipation for The Maine. The stage transformed into a layered, 70’s house inspired set and The Maine took the stage, opening with “Thoughts I Have While Lying in Bed,” which immediately got the crowd jumping and ready for an hour and a half of their favorite tunes. The Maine’s infamous “set list divas” can rest easy knowing the show consists of a healthy mix of both old and new favorites.
All in all, the I Love You But I Choose The Maine’s tour stop in Denver, CO was nothing short of an amazing and memorable night. Even with the changes in Grayscale and Nightly’s sets, the energy was flowing from the moment Franklin Jonas and the Byzantines took the stage until the final notes of The Maine’s closing song. All four bands radiate both joy and humility in their craft, making it clear that their goal is to give every fan an unforgettable night, and an unforgettable night it absolutely was.
The night started off with Franklin Jonas and the Byzantines who didn’t just get the energy flowing, they electrified the room and left the crowd buzzing. Their stage presence, sound, and their ability to get the crowd on their feet proves their readiness for a headlining show themselves. Franklin Jonas brings a new and refreshing voice to the band’s folk-rock sound and has a genuine humbleness that shows just how much he loves performing. In addition, Jonas has leaned into The Maine’s own mentality of “you should never pay to meet a human being" as he stationed himself at his merch booth for the rest of the evening following their set.
Next up was Pennsylvania-based rock band Grayscale. Frontman Collin Walsh and guitarist Dallas Molster took the stage, noticeably without the rest of their bandmates. Walsh explained that severe storms and high winds on their route from Portland, Oregon had prevented their tour bus, along with all of their instruments, from making it to Colorado. Instead of their usual high-energy, crowd-jumping set, the duo pivoted, delivering stripped-down acoustic versions of the band’s biggest hits. While the disappointment from the band was clear, the intimate performance offered something rare, giving the audience a chance to experience their favorite songs in a fresh, unexpected, and deeply personal way.
Songs from each of The Maine’s nine studio albums, along with all three singles from the upcoming Joy Next Door, are woven into the setlist, making the night feel like both a celebration of their journey and an exciting glimpse into what’s next. Towards the end of their set, The Maine brought out Franklin Jonas and the Byzantines, Grayscale, and Nightly for a group rendition of “Take Me Dancing.” The slow, joyful song created a warm, uplifting atmosphere, and the moment felt like a true celebration of music and friendship. The audience swayed along, sharing in the camaraderie and connection on stage, making it a memory that would last long after the song concluded.
Article by: Hannah Pohlmeyer
Plug In. Tune Out.
sun-soaked nostalgia wrapped in polished alt-rock: bright guitars, anthemic choruses. Lyrics that give late-night vulnerability with youthful confidence. Their evolution from neon pop-punk into dreamy indie-leaning alternative rock gives them a cinematic, desert-at-dusk vibe—romantic, restless, and emotionally direct.
Photographer: Hannah Pohlmeyer