In a dimly lit venue with glimmering ceiling lights, colorful stage LEDs, and powerful hipster vibes, a diverse beanie and flannel-wearing crowd shuffled into Gabe’s and swarmed the stage to await headlining act Magic City Hippies.

Two members of the opening act, LUTHI, danced playfully on each other upon climbing up front, before beginning their set. With their instruments on, the lights off, and the crowd pumped, LUTHI began playing. They opened with deep bass tones and funky guitar rhythms, followed by Christian Luthi’s smooth vocals that warmed the room despite the freezing temperatures outside. Finally, the band kicked it into gear, revving the audience up with a more energetic array of songs. 

After approximately 40 minutes of playing, LUTHI closed out their set with their song, “Every Body” to a cheering and jumping crowd. 

“We’ve had a lot of fun tonight,” Luthi yelled before leaving the stage to Magic City Hippies. “We love you.”

The headlining band climbed onto the stage at 9:15, opening with a funky tune, followed by “Franny.” Their energy emanated to the crowd, who continued to jump and scream.

“I’d love to hold you closer. Not the queen of the Barbie girls; you’re the Eve of the Garden, girl,” sang lead singer-guitarist Robby Hunter. 

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Magic City Hippies originates from Miami, Florida, and have been previously known as the Robby Hunter Band. After a few years as a solo artist, Hunter recruited drummer Pat Howard and bassist John Coughlin, the trio changed their name. 

Their first release as Magic City Hippies was Hippie Castle. Their most recent album, Modern Animal was released on Aug. 16.

Now in their third year touring, the band stopped at Gabe’s in Iowa City, and more and more fans shuffled in to listen to the hip-hop, pop, funk, and indie blend that Magic City Hippies is known so well for. 

“This is so many more people here than we expected. We’re so excited,” said Hunter during the show. Glowing under the purple and blue lights of the venue, he looked otherworldly.

As Hunter continued to sing with his eyes closed and his mouth millimeters from the microphone, Howard and Coughlin played along beside him. Each member of the group played with their whole bodies as they performed, moving with the beat as they bounced, smiled, and rocked out with their music. 

The crowd kept their enthusiasm high throughout the concert, continuously dancing and yelling along to the lyrics of each of Magic City Hippie’s songs.

Magic City Hippies played out the night with music from their newest album, Modern Animal and pieces from past albums such as Hippie Castle and Heart Wants.