San Diego showed up for this one.

This February marked Sitting on Saturn’s first local show under their new name, and the Music Box was bursting at the seams. Packed from floor to balcony, the energy in the room was nonstop—screaming lyrics, dancing shoulder to shoulder, and celebrating this new chapter with the kind of joy that can only come from a hometown crowd.

The band was joined by guitarist Zane Vandevort and brass player Josh Horita, both of whom brought something extra to the stage. During their recently released song Rose Colored Glasses, a fan tossed a pair of red heart-shaped sunglasses on stage, and Hoyt threw them on without missing a beat. The timing was perfect. The moment was magic.

The lighting was some of the best I’ve seen in this room—flashes, color shifts, and mood to match every moment. And after the final chord, the band didn’t disappear—they stayed to hug fans, catch up with friends, and soak in the night.

Getting to work with Sitting on Saturn has been such an honor. I had the chance to photograph their last California show under their old name—and now their first hometown show as Sitting on Saturn. Watching their growth up close, and being trusted to document these milestones, means the world to me.

Photographer: @marissa_kaitlyn_

Band: @sittingonsaturnband

Venue: @musicboxsd