When Mikael (aka Quinn XCII) took the stage, the energy in the room shifted into high gear. This was my third time seeing him live, and he continues to impress with both his music and stage presence. He has a way of making large venues feel intimate, engaging the audience with a warmth and energy that adds uniqueness to his shows.

The setlist for the night balanced longtime crowd favorites like Candle, Stacy, and Straitjacket with new songs from his most recent album. Tracks like Live and Let Go, Olive Tree, and Tiger Lillies carried a more chilled-out vibe, with Mikael explaining that he drew heavy inspiration from Jack Johnson while writing the record. That softer influence shone through, giving the show a perfect mix of his typical upbeat energy and a new, mellow feel. One thing this show solidified for me is that Quinn XCII can do it all—and he does it well.

One of the standout moments came during Live and Let Go, when Quinn XCII invited two fans onstage to handle the harmonica solos. Much to everyone’s surprise, they absolutely nailed it. And I’m a major sucker for a good fan-artist interaction like that.