BREAKING ALL THE ICE AT 0007
Photo Credit - Daniel Pleckham
On December 27th, 2024, CNCRT and TreeHouse Studios hosted The Icebreaker, our seventh event as a brand and second collaboration with TreeHouse Studios (@treehousestudios_). Held at Law Office Music Hall (@lawofficemusichall) in Yorkville, IL, this show was a testament to the power of community and the magic that happens when friends come together.
The idea for The Icebreaker came to life in late November 2024, sparked by a conversation with our friend Boyd Ingemunson who runs Law Office Music Hall. With the holidays bringing old friends home, we saw a perfect opportunity to throw a show. Despite a tight timeline and having dealt with unforeseen changes that reduced the lineup, the event ended up exceeding every expectation.
With no promo video, we had to rely on word of mouth to build excitement—and the results were astounding. At showtime, the venue started to fill in & was eventually packed beyond capacity. Fans filled every corner of the room, shoulder to shoulder, creating an electric atmosphere. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a reunion with our friends, family, and the creative community we’ve been able to build over the years.
Photo Credit - Danny Pleckham
The show opened with an incredible performance by LEX (@alexathornton). Playing piano and singing with her signature blend of indie, pop, and alternative sounds, she captivated the crowd. Her voice was as powerful as it was emotional, leaving a lasting impression. LEX even brought up our friend Rons (@treehouserons), the host of the show, to perform their song together, creating a heartfelt moment that her family and fans in attendance loved.
Next up was the main act of the night that typically would go by the name “Swamp Donkey” but because their original drummer was out of town, they opted to go with the name The Ethan Mosley Band - a name born from a funny mishap at an early show in their career. The band—featuring Zach Brosi (@zachbrosimusic) on guitar and vocals, Ethan Mosley (@ethan__mosley) on guitar, Cole Ryan (CPR) (@cprmusic_) on bass, and newcomer Max Aldred (@maxwellstephen) on drums—took the stage and instantly brought the energy. Shifting the vibe to rock and alternative, they opened with their iconic track “Swamp Donkey,” igniting the crowd & kicking off their exhilarating set.
The band shredded their an hour-long performance, with the audience singing along and cheering for more. They also invited Rons back onstage for another song, blending their genres of rap & rock seamlessly. Fans demanded two encores, and the band delivered, leaving everyone in awe of the talent and chemistry taking shape in front of them.
This was more than a show; it was a celebration. Friends, family, and fans came together to witness something special. For many, it was their first chance to see firsthand the hard work and passion we pour into every event. From the packed house to the roaring encores, The Icebreaker became CNCRT’s first sold-out show—a milestone we’ll never forget as a group.
Behind the scenes, our incredible media team captured the night perfectly. My job for the night was to shoot photos (@pleckham) alongside our videographers Nick Miesuk (@nickmiesuk), Vanessa Celio (@nessacelio), and Carter Maggio (@carterpictures), who also edited the stunning recap video. Fans supported the event by buying drinks and merch, creating an atmosphere that will fuel us for future shows.
The Icebreaker wasn’t just an event; it was a statement. As our first alternative and rock show, it marked an exciting new chapter for CNCRT. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re eager to continue pushing boundaries in the events we create.