Runnin’ From The Daylight to See David Kushner

Walking the streets of New Haven, Connecticut, on a Saturday night, I passed people going to various events. Some people were adorned in sparkles and masks travelling to Halloween parties, while others wore fancier clothes to musicals and other performances. My plan on 26 of October was originally to rest after a busy college day, but instead, I found myself walking through the doors of College Street Music Hall after having my ticket scanned. The red signs outside the venue spelt out the name of the artist I was so excited to see – David Kushner.

While some people may not recognise his name, they will likely know his music. Kushner’s song, Daylight, became a hit and even ended up on the Billboard Hot 100. Within one year of its release, Daylight gained over one billion streams. On 30 August 2024, Kushner released his debut album, The Dichotomy, and has been touring these songs on The Dichotomy Tour, where I saw him in Connecticut.

Fans flooded the 2000-person capacity venue, wearing concert outfits specific to this show. Most fans wore muted natural colours and softer fabric (such as cardigans) since it was so cold, but some attendees included touches of leather or shimmer to their appearances. There were people of all ages there, from young children to older fans. At the front of the barricade, some fans chatted about how excited they were for the opener, while others gushed over their appreciation for the headliner.

The murmuring of the crowd halted and morphed into cheering as the lights dimmed and a band began to stride onto the short stage. The opener, Henrik Hoeldtke (who goes by Henrik) struts onto stage and to the microphone stand. Henrik’s music strikes the crowd with its fluidity between genres and nuances. While he is classified as a Christian rapper, he includes elements of pop-punk, folk, and other genres in his album. Henrik’s curly hair bounced as he walked across the stage, making his lyrics come to life. Songs like Half of Forever showcase Henrik’s skills in music and helped warm up the crowd before Kushner.

The seats continued to fill up after Henrik’s set ended and fans began to prepare for David Kushner. While the pit filled up, some fans and family walked around to get merchandise, food and drinks, and take a break. This was the perfect time to get hydrated since it was very warm inside despite the icy temperature outside.

The lights dimmed as the crowd began to cry out in excitement. Fog rose from the stage, and Kushner’s band took their places with their respective instruments. Light and darkness appeared to mesh together into a visual artistic display, and this theme prevailed throughout the show. David Kushner stepped into the spotlight on the stage, and the fans joined him to start Darkerside with “Been running too long, tryna catch my breath, there’s a war up against my heart and head.”

For some songs, Kushner rushed from one side to another of the stage with flashing red lights. During others, he stood playing a guitar and poured out his heart through his emotional lyrics. Fans swayed together, living in the moment and appreciating the show. In between songs, David Kushner spoke about the meanings behind the music and checked in to see how the audience was doing. Much of his album focuses on obstacles he’s faced in his life and beliefs as well as the journey of finding himself.

Before singing You and Me, Kushner announced that it was his last song. The crowd, while singing along enthusiastically, was shocked since it seemed like he had forgotten to sing his popular songs. Once he thanked the crowd and departed the stage, fans immediately began chanting his name and cheering for him.

Their hope didn’t result in sadness – instead, the crowd clapped their hands as David Kushner returned to the stage. Singing Miserable Man, Kushner invited the fans to participate and join in. The small venue sounded like a choir with everyone’s beautiful voices joining together to sing about how they were looking for a place to feel like home – and that place was that concert. Ultimately, Kushner closed the show with his most popular song, Daylight. Every fan had smiles lighting up their faces as they raised their hands in the air to reach out towards him as he leaned up against the barricade. Once the show came to an end, fans hugged their friends and family, leaving with memories that will stay with them for life.

Kushner’s voice, stage presence, show production, band and opener choices and overall show were fantastic. This show brought together a small yet passionate group of fans to experience a performance that they will never forget. Whether you are a major fan of the artist or have never heard of him, you should consider adding David Kushner to your concert bucket list.