On a crisp spring evening in Raleigh, NC, the Indiana-based jamtronica band Dizgo brought their 2025 Outer Space Tour to Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, marking their first-ever performance in the North Carolina capital. Situated in the heart of the Research Triangle—a region known more for college basketball rivalries than groundbreaking musical experimentation—the city proved to be fertile ground for Dizgo’s fusion of jam band improvisation, electronic textures, and rock energy.
The evening opened with 'Never On Time,' an appropriately self-referential nod to the nature of jam band start times. The band’s relaxed entrance and onstage chemistry immediately put the audience at ease. Keyboardist Jake Evatt, who joined the band in 2022, exchanged a light-hearted moment with a fan before diving into the music. From the first few measures, it was evident that the quartet required no warm-up—their dynamic control and tight synchronization were apparent from the outset.
'Zagaz' followed, and was an early standout in the set. The track began with a heavy electronic pulse, quickly transitioning into layered funk grooves that demonstrated the band’s seamless interplay. The recent additions of Evatt and drummer Justin Clark have clearly expanded the group’s sonic palette. Their integration felt complete, enhancing both the depth and range of the band’s arrangements. The rhythm section, anchored by Clark’s precise drumming and Kevin Hinnefeld’s fluid bass lines, provided a solid foundation for extended impromptu passages.
Backstage, Kevin reflected on the band’s nine-year evolution, noting that the past two years have brought the most significant transformation. He credited Evatt’s arrival as a pivotal moment, one that redefined the group’s approach to composition and live performance. "Jake brought more than just keys—he brought a new layer of direction and dynamic energy," Kevin shared. He also praised Clark, calling him "one of the most grounded, steady presences both musically and personally."
Midway through the set, Dizgo launched into 'It’s Alright,' a fourteen minute exploration of melodic development and rhythmic build. The track’s climax featured a soaring guitar solo by Andrew Pickel, whose tone called to mind the emotive power of classic rock icons. His solo was unhurried, methodical, and ultimately cathartic—eliciting spontaneous cheers from the crowd. The performance was not only a technical showcase but an emotional one, capturing the essence of what makes live music so impactful.
'Lightenup' offered a tonal shift, delivering an upbeat groove with uplifting harmonies and a dance friendly rhythm that re-energized the audience. It’s a track built for movement, and the crowd responded accordingly. Dizgo’s ability to shift effortlessly between mood and tempo speaks to their maturity as a live act. Each transition felt intentional, each moment earned.
The evening concluded with two of the band’s more expansive pieces—'Singularity' and 'Rainbow Lightening.' These final selections underscored the band’s capacity for both thematic depth and musical exploration. The quartet constructed sonic landscapes that are at once complex and accessible, capable of resonating with both casual listeners and seasoned music fans. As the final notes were played, the audience lingered, reluctant to let the night end.
Dizgo crushed their performance at the Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, and is currently on tour in Florida with The Motet. They are up next on May 1st at Cafe Divinici in Deland, followed by Terra Fermata in Stuart on May 2nd and Jannus Live in St. Petersburg on May 3rd. Head on over to their tour page for more details on these shows and more from their stacked tour.
Check out more photos from the show!
Date: April 26, 2025
Band: Dizgo
Location: Raliegh, NC
Venue: Bowstring Brewery
Set: Never On Time, Zagaz, It's Alright, Lightenup, Singularity, Rainbow Lightening
