Oliver Hazard Continue First Nationwide Trek With A Stop At Chicago’s Thalia Hall

No strangers to the Midwest, the indie-folk trio Oliver Hazard hail from Waterville, Ohio, population 6,000. Now embarking on their first ever nationwide tour supporting The 502’s “Fresh Squeezed Happiness Tour,” the group is soaking it all in while giving it their all. Last night’s sold-out show at Chicago’s historic Thalia Hall was no exception.

Comprised of Michael Belazis (vocals, guitar), Devin East (vocals, guitar), and Nate Miner (vocals, keys) - currently sitting in for Griffin McCullochand - the trio forgoes the electronic layers dominating the airwaves and relies on a mostly organic sound rooted in storytelling and a beat you can’t help but tap your foot to.

The band’s debut record was the result of a single take, live recording studio session, which they won through a Facebook raffle. Released in 2018, 34 N River generated buzz within indie circles and put them on the festival circuit, including Bonnaroo and Mountain Jam. Following up with two EPs, The Flood in 2019 and Northern Lights in 2022, and several singles, the band is gearing up for their much anticipated sophomore LP later this year.

At Thalia Hall last night, Chicago concert goers settled in for nearly 40 minutes of favorites, including “Grenadine”and “Illinois”, as well as “Dandelion”, which closed their set. The band also played songs from their 2022 LP, as well as their latest 2023 single, “Ballerina”.

Belazis shared with the sold out crowd that “the last time we played Chicago, it was a VERY tiny bar. So this is a major upgrade.” Regardless of venue size, the crowd (both current and new fans alike) couldn’t resist tapping their foot along with Belazi’s single drum or singing along to tunes many were hearing for the first time.

For a list of remaining tour dates and tickets, click here. See more photos from Wednesday’s show at Thalia Hall below, courtesy of BAND Magazine photographer Josh Druding.