Saint Motel & The Symphony in the Sky Feat. Oliver Hazard

Phantom Light Media
Mar 29, 2025
2 min read

On Tuesday the 25th of March, the Knitting Factory stage in Boise, ID was graced by Saint Motel with support from Oliver Hazard. I was quick to realize when Oliver Hazard came on stage that this was the music I needed that day.

Oliver Hazard, of which no one in the trio is named Oliver(Micheal, Nate, and Devin) kicked the night off for the sold out crowd with their indie folk brand of music with 2 guitars, some keys, and a kick drum suitcase. They created a very uplifting and peaceful feeling with sounds and harmonies that reminded me of bluebird skies, blooming wild flowers and a soft summer breeze. Not forgetting their roots, they lit the front of the stage with little lamps that were there to remind them of the house shows they played when they were first getting started. I honestly would have never guessed this band was from Ohio. They give off a strong PNW vibe. I appreciated the anecdotes between songs, and the fan inclusion during the set with some call and response and a QR code that one could use to get a copy of a photo taken with a disposable camera by the band. They did well setting the tone for the production that was to come next.

After the short 30 minute change over the lights dimmed and a narrator came over the speakers counting down the start of the show. 2 minutes, 1 minute, 10, 9 ,8, 7, 6… you understand. Lights come on with deep blue and hints of purple. Lead singer AJ Jackson steps on the stage with his conductor’s baton followed by a silhouetted quartet of string instruments, then a brass section, the guitars(Aaron Sharp, Dak on Bass) and the drums(Greg Irwin). Now, let the symphony begin. This show was an amazing visual sight and stuck to the theme of a symphony being performed in the sky. From the crowd to the band, the energy was kept high and was almost palpable. AJ was very interactive and often engaged with the fans. After a brief period of darkness and shortly before the encore, the narrator comes over the speakers directing the crowd to pull out their phones, turn on their flashlights and point them toward the balcony where AJ stood. During the last song of the show,AJ came over the barrier and performed their hit “My Type” while taking a casual stroll through the crowd.

From dawning angel wings, to playing the piano and dancing around the stage. They put on a great show. When I reflected back on the performance I had this realization that those deep blue lights in the beginning were part of a bigger light show. If you paid attention, the color changes got warmer and brighter, ultimately taking you on a journey through a sunrise. That at least, is my take away from it. I can really appreciate that attention to detail. This was definitely a symphony in the sky and I didn't need a plane ticket.