Passion Pit’s Pretty Penny Tour Hits Columbus
After nearly 13 years since they last performed in Columbus, Ohio, Passion Pit made their highly anticipated return to the city on June 23rd, 2026 at no better venue than the iconic Newport Music Hall. As the doors opened and the fans arrived, the room rapidly began to fill from the pit to the balconies, and the buzz of excitement from the crowd was undeniable. Antsy and excited fans surrounded you everywhere you went, pacing around and eagerly awaiting for the show to begin; it was easy to tell they didn’t want to wait another second.
Starting the set off with one of their early hit tracks, the first wavy upbeat synth notes from “The Reeling” hit the air and the room immediately burst into cheers. From their first album Manners, it set the delightful tone of the night and was followed by other fan favorites like “Take a Walk” and “Sleepyhead.” Passion Pit’s performance was delivered with a soft, familiar energy, and the people in the room danced like there was no tomorrow. Fathers and young daughters dancing up on the balcony. Friends laughing and twirling each other around with drinks in hand. Strangers hand in hand inviting others to dance along with them. Couples slow dancing in the isolated corners of the venue. Everywhere your gaze wandered, at least one person could be spotted dancing with smiles from ear to ear.
Forming in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2007, the indie pop band consists of primary and recording member Michael Angelakos (frontman, vocals & keyboard) who is currently backed on The Pretty Penny tour by Ray Suen (guitars & synthesiser), Aaron Harrison Folb (bass & synthesiser), Chris Hartz (drums), and Giuliano Pizzulo (guitar & synthesiser). At the start of his music career, Angelakos performed and created all the tracks alone; just him and his laptop. After meeting a fellow musician following a solo show in Boston, a collective of artists came together and began to perform together as Passion Pit, and the rest is history.
As the performance continued, you couldn't help but be drawn into the atmosphere of the stage. It was filled with piano after piano, more than you’d think could even fit, and fans at the barricade could be heard joking back and forth about how it “looked like they raided a piano store.” It was a simple but powerful setup, no overbearing lights or flashes, just a few warm toned lamps towering above them to set the perfect intimate ambiance. The design onstage was a perfect reflection of the show that night. “I’ll Be Alright” and “Constant Conversations” from their second album Gossamer were standout performances of the set. No overproduction or distracting elements, no jumping around the stage or anything of the nature; just a raw, intimate performance from start to finish - bringing a rare and special energy to the room.
The band’s unique indie/electro pop sound sets them apart from other artists in the best way. Their ability to mix powerful, raw vocals with catchy drums and heavy synths that draw you in are just one of the many reasons they have remained well loved by so many since their start in 2007. Paying homage to the fans in the room, frontman Angelakos gave a heartfelt speech about how grateful he is to the people who have listened and supported Passion Pit throughout their journey to discover their sound and the constant evolution they’ve had as a band.
If you love indie pop, be sure to stay tuned for their EP The Pretty Penny that's set to release soon!
Photos and review by Maddie Culbertson
