▣The Van Buren | Phoenix, Arizona  ▣Sunday, June 21st 2026
▣Photographer/Journalist: Orion Knight

The Idobi Radio Summer School Tour made its stop at The Van Buren in Phoenix on June 21, bringing together some of the most exciting names in modern pop punk and alternative music. While the lineup featured several talented artists throughout the day, three bands in particular stood out and made the evening one I won’t soon forget: Chase Petra, South Arcade, and Games We Play.

The night kicked off with Long Beach band Chase Petra. While I wasn’t familiar with their catalog beforehand, their performance immediately grabbed my attention. Their music blends elements of indie rock, alternative, and punk in a way that feels both thoughtful and relatable. Listening to them reminded me of the realities of adulthood, balancing responsibilities, navigating uncertainty, and trying to figure out where you belong in the world. Their songs carried an honesty that resonated throughout the venue, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the evening.

Next came the biggest surprise of the night for me: UK pop punk band South Arcade. Having never heard their music before stepping into the photo pit, I walked away wondering how they hadn’t already become a staple in my playlists.

From the moment they took the stage, the energy was impossible to ignore. Frontwoman Harmony Cavelle commanded the crowd with a presence that immediately reminded me of both Hayley Williams and early Gwen Stefani. She brought the same combination of confidence, charisma, and infectious energy that made those artists so captivating. But what impressed me most was how much fun the entire band appeared to be having. Every member looked genuinely excited to be on stage, bouncing to the beat and feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm in true pop punk fashion.

Then there was the style.

As someone who grew up during the Y2K era, seeing South Arcade felt like opening a time capsule. Their fashion, attitude, and overall aesthetic transported me right back to the early 2000s in the best possible way. It wasn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake either. They managed to take those influences and make them feel fresh and modern.

Their set featured songs including “HOW 2 GET AWAY WITH MURDER,” “FEAR OF HEIGHTS,” “Supermodels,” “Drive Myself Home,” “2005,” and “stone cold summer.” Every song seemed to build on the momentum of the last. By the end of their set, I couldn’t get enough. Their music feels tailor-made for high-energy sports edits, road trips, and summer adventures, and I already know several of their tracks will find their way into future girl’s flag football highlight videos.

If South Arcade was the night’s biggest surprise, Games We Play delivered one of its biggest crowd reactions.

The second frontman Emmyn Calleiro stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted. Like many fans, I was initially drawn to the band through their breakout hit “I Hope You’re Happy,” but their live performance showcased just how much more they have to offer.

Songs like “The End” and their newest single “Is This What I’m Made Of” hit especially hard in a live setting. The band’s blend of catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and relentless energy felt like everything great about modern pop punk wrapped into one performance.

One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Emmyn asked the crowd if anyone had ever been in a band or wanted to be in one. After spotting a volunteer in the audience, he invited them on stage and had them play keyboard during part of the set. It’s always fun when artists interact with fans, but moments like that take things to another level. Instead of simply performing for the audience, Games We Play made them part of the show.

That sense of connection is what made their set so memorable and what makes pop punk such a special genre in the first place.

With a new album, I Wish I Never Quit, arriving on September 18, 2026, Games We Play appears poised for a breakout moment. If the new songs are any indication, fans have plenty to look forward to. The lyrics are honest, the hooks are massive, and the energy is exactly what you want from a true pop punk record.

The Summer School Tour was ultimately a celebration of where alternative music is heading next. Chase Petra brought thoughtful songwriting, South Arcade delivered a star-making performance, and Games We Play proved they’re ready for bigger stages. For anyone wondering whether the future of pop punk is in good hands, Sunday night’s show at The Van Buren provided a resounding answer.

Check out our contributor photographer, Orion Knight photos now!

CHASE PETRA

SOUTH ARCADE

GAMES WE PLAY

Check out their websites for more info –

Chase Petra

South Arcade

Games We Play