On a sweltering summer evening, with temperatures still in the upper 80s well after 9 pm, The Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour brought a wave of nostalgia to the TCU Amphitheater in Indianapolis on August 24, 2023. The lineup featured The All-American Rejects, New Found Glory, The Starting Line, and The Get Up Kids, and fans of all ages gathered for a night filled with iconic tunes and memories of their teenage years.

The Get Up Kids commenced the evening by delivering an exuberant performance that effectively established the ambiance of the night. Their setlist encompassed an engaging fusion of well-loved tracks from their earlier days as well as fresh material, showcasing their growth as artists while admirably paying homage to their roots. The seamless blend of their artistic evolution with the essence of their beginnings resonated deeply with die-hard supporters and individuals experiencing the band's magic for the very first time.

Next up was The Starting Line, whose performance took the audience on a journey through their discography, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. The loud sing-alongs and the overall nostalgia vibe created a sense of unity among the audience, reminding everyone of the enduring impact of The Starting Line's music. Their setlist, a well-crafted blend of old favorites and newer material, resonated with fans of all ages, creating a shared experience that was both nostalgic and refreshingly current.

New Found Glory took the stage next, delivering an electrifying set that had fans jumping and dancing from start to finish. Despite guitarist Chad Gilbert needing to sit down periodically throughout the set due to his ongoing cancer fight, his perseverance and commitment to performing at a top level were truly inspiring. A highlight of their set was special guest Kevin Skaff of A Day To Remember joining them on stage, adding an extra layer of excitement to the performance. Lead vocalist Jordan Pundik also donned an Elsa dress and wig for their cover of "Let It Go," a legendary commitment to the bit considering the intense heat. Their set was a perfect mix of infectious energy, catchy pop-punk anthems, and heartfelt moments that turned the amphitheater into a giant sing-along.

The grand finale of the night was The All-American Rejects, whose performance was filled with nostalgia and excitement, especially for the elder emo and scene kids in the audience. Frontman Tyson Ritter commanded the stage with his charismatic presence, engaging with the crowd and delivering a powerhouse vocal performance. The band played a mix of hits from their extensive catalog, including crowd favorites like "Swing, Swing" and "Dirty Little Secret." Their performance was a perfect blend of raw emotion and polished musicianship, leaving the audience wanting more.

Overall, The Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of early 2000s pop-punk. Each band brought their A-game, delivering performances that were both nostalgic and refreshingly current. It was a night to remember for fans old and new, proving that the spirit of pop-punk is alive and well, even on the hottest of summer nights.