Andrew Thaung
Jun 24, 2026
The Van Buren became a proving ground for a new generation of alternative artists, each bringing something different to the stage.
The Summer School Tour rolled into Phoenix on June 21 with one of its strongest lineups to date, packing The Van Buren with fans ready for an evening that bounced between pop punk, alternative rock, and plenty of organized chaos. With South Arcade, Games We Play, Winona Fighter, and Honey Revenge all sharing the bill, the tour delivered exactly what its name promises: a crash course in some of the scene's fastest-rising bands.
South Arcade wasted little time winning over the room. The UK quartet's mix of glossy hooks and heavy guitars immediately got the pit moving, while vocalist Harmony Cavelle frequently stepped away from the stage to sing directly with fans pressed against the barricade. Games We Play followed with one of the night's most anticipated sets, returning to the road for the first time in more than a year with a fully live band and songs from the upcoming I Wish I Never Quit. Frontman Emmyn Callerio balanced quick-witted banter with crowd participation throughout the set, even bringing fans onstage before launching into new tracks like "The Smash" and "Is This What I'm Made Of?," both of which landed like songs the audience had known for years.
Winona Fighter raised the intensity to another level. Frontwoman Coco Kinnon never stood still, throwing herself across the stage while barking out songs that blurred the line between punk rock and controlled mayhem. Between songs, she encouraged the crowd to look out for one another before giving them permission to let loose, a message the pit enthusiastically embraced. Every breakdown seemed to trigger another wave of movement across the floor, making their set one of the evening's undeniable highlights.
By the time Honey Revenge closed the night, the room still had plenty left to give. Backed by towering LED screens, the band delivered a confident headlining performance that showcased just how much they've grown over the last few years. Songs like "Hot Commodity," the recently released "Sunday Scaries," and the closing "Airhead" were met with wall-to-wall singalongs, bringing the evening to a fitting close. Summer School continues to prove why it's become one of the season's most anticipated package tours, giving rising artists the room to shine while reminding fans that some of the best nights happen before summer is even halfway over.
