The Rare Occasions and Girl Tones at Vera Project
It had been a long time since our last show at The Vera Project, but stepping back inside felt like returning to one of Seattle’s most essential creative spaces. Vera has always been more than a venue. It is a community hub, a training ground, and a place where young artists, engineers, photographers, and fans learn the ropes of the music world through hands‑on experience. Supporting it always feels important, and tonight’s bill with Girl Tones and The Rare Occasions, was the perfect reminder of why this space matters.
The first time we saw Girl Tones earlier this year we were enamored and couldn’t wait for them to be back. The Los Angeles sister duo, Kenzie and Laila Crowe, have been gaining momentum with their explosive live shows, blending garage rock, punk, and a charismatic stage presence that feels far bigger than any room they play. It feels like this band should be headlining their own shows. The duo gives major rock star vibes that cannot be contained in a room. It is great to see this energy come alive and to watch the crowd take in what the sisters charismatically provide.
We enjoyed every second of their set and so did the audience, who was constantly moving around with them. Kenzie does not leave much room for standing still or hanging back. She demands full engagement, shaping the mood of the show with every riff and every shout. Laila is patiently providing the beat with her drumming, calmly guiding the rhythm of the show. Their set ended with Kenzie jumping into the crowd and continuing to play her guitar while people around her went crazy.
After the lively set it was time for the night’s headliner, The Rare Occasions. I cannot say that I had heard much about them before tonight, but the Los Angeles indie rock trio consisting of Brian McLaughlin, Jeremy Cohen, and Luke Imbusch, have built a dedicated following over the past decade. Their breakout moment came with the viral success of “Notion,” but their catalog stretches far beyond that hit, blending sharp songwriting with soaring melodies and a warm, approachable stage presence.
The trio was delightful and the crowd loved them. From the first note it was clear that this was a room full of fans who had been waiting for this night. It was a loud sing along most of the time and great to see. The room was full of excited fans there to take it all in. Their set moved between older favorites and newer material, each song met with cheers, dancing, and voices rising to meet the band. The Rare Occasions have a way of making a room feel intimate even when the crowd is shouting every word.
By the end of the night, it was obvious why both bands are building such strong momentum. Girl Tones delivered a fiery, unforgettable opener, and The Rare Occasions closed with the confidence of a band who knows exactly how to connect with their audience.