PETER MCPOLAND’S ‘BIG LUCKY’ SHOW ROCKS SANTA ANA, CA
Graphic by Lydia Wojcieszak
Photo by Mila Solenberger
Nov. 7 was the third night of the “Big Lucky” Tour, taking place at The Constellation Room in Santa Ana, CA. Supporting McPoland on this leg of the tour is Black Salt, a 22-year-old rapper reminiscent of early Mac Miller. He warmed up the crowd with the likes of “therundown,” “Streak Attraction,” “Oh My God” and his 2025 single “Morning.” Soon after, McPoland took the stage with his bandmates and friends, Joe, Landon and Josh.
Off the bat, he was effortlessly charismatic, captivating the crowd within mere seconds. McPoland is nothing if not honest, explaining to the crowd that they didn’t soundcheck and warning them that the show will feel messy. Technical difficulties interfered with the first couple of songs, but didn’t slow the band's momentum. In the midst of this, McPoland read some signs in the crowd, which led them to sing “Happy Birthday.” His infectious energy and stage presence was unexpected, yet charming.
For the majority of the set, McPoland was front and center, but he and his band had some tricks up their sleeves. The eighth song in the set, “Romeo & Juliet,” is a crowd favorite in which McPoland plays the acoustic guitar with the harmonica, similar to Bob Dylan. The boys started moshing on stage during the chorus of “Were You There?,” juxtaposing the song's serious tone. Immediately after, the band jumped into a cover of Pinegrove’s “Aphasia,” a song that they hadn’t performed together in over nine years, which seemed effortless.
There was a moment between songs when McPoland addressed the crowd, explaining the story behind "Cambio" and his time living in New York. He dedicated the song to his old laundromat lady, who was teaching him Spanish. The somberness bled into “Roll Away My Stone,” where McPoland hopped on the keys while the other boys formed a three-part harmony. They stayed in this formation for “Rats,” adding in a maraca and tambourine to flesh out the song. For one final switch, McPoland impressively played the bass and wore monkey ears for “I Love The Animals,” which excited fans. He ended the show on a high note, jumping around the stage during “Digital Silence” and egging his band and the crowd on.
2025 may be Peter McPoland’s lucky year. With all his passion and versatility, he is paving the way for future folk-pop artists. Although the tour has just begun, it is clear that he is doing this for the love of the craft above all else.
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