Oakland native Elujay brought his hometown energy to The Independent in San Francisco for a memorable night alongside SundaY and isntshelovey. It was my first time at The Independent, and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. However, everyone working at the venue was welcoming and encouraging, making it a great environment for photographers and fans alike.

Before the music started, many fans were standing toward the back of the room, but that quickly changed once SundaY took the stage. Her captivating energy immediately drew the crowd forward and created an intimate atmosphere. Before performing “Warm Giant,” she shared how she had always been a kind and shy person growing up, but had become more confident in herself over the years. Her vulnerability and warm stage presence resonated with the audience throughout her set.

The second opener, isntshelovey, connected with the crowd through themes of struggle, healing, and overcoming obstacles. Introducing one of her songs, she reflected, “At the end of the day, life comes down to two things: love and fear. If it isn’t love, it’s fear.” The message seemed to resonate with many fans in the audience. During her set, she welcomed her partner, Zen Rocker, to the stage to perform their song “Where’s My Lighter?” together. Later, she brought her brother on stage, creating another heartfelt moment that emphasized the importance of family and community.

As Elujay took the stage, the energy inside The Independent rose immediately. Just moments before his set began, the New York Knicks had won the NBA Finals, and he joked with the crowd, saying, “I didn’t think I would be bonding with the Bay over a different city.” The comment drew laughs and cheers from the audience, creating an even stronger sense of community before the music began. Throughout the night, Elujay spoke about how special the show was to him as a Bay Area artist performing in front of a hometown crowd. One fan standing behind me sang nearly every word of every song, showing just how much his music meant to those in attendance. Another memorable moment came when Eluajay playfully told the crowd, “Stop gatekeeping,” drawing laughter from the room. After the show, he continued connecting with fans at the merch table, ending the evening with the same sense of community that had defined the entire night.