On September 14, 2025, Quinnipiac hosted its annual fall semester event, Fall Fest, complete with food, fall-themed games, and most importantly, a live concert. This year’s performer was indie-pop trio almost monday, who took the stage on the steps of the Arnold Bernard Library.

Walking across the quad that afternoon, it felt as if students had come together and put their busy Sundays aside to enjoy food, activities and great music together.  

Almost monday, originally from San Diego, California, has been on the rise since the release of their debut single “Parking Lot View” in 2019.  Managed by Ryland Lynch, who also works with the popular band The Driver Era, the trio has quickly built a reputation for having an infectious energy in their performances.

Bringing such energy is effortless when you love your bandmates. Almost monday have been friends since high school, finding each other through San Diego’s bustling surf scene.

“It’s fun to be creating with your friends,” Daughtery said. “Something we’ve been trying to do is to change it up. Whether it’s going to a new place to record, or to have a suit day, where we all come to the studio in a suit. It’s to keep the creative energy flowing so it doesn’t get stale.”

Almost monday’s dynamic on stage reflected the closeness they’ve built offstage. It was obvious that they were not just bandmates, but real friends who loved creating together. Every smile and playful interaction during the set made the performance feel less like a polished show and more like being invited into their world. That authenticity is part of what makes their music so easy to connect with.

They kept their sound as fresh as ever, kicking off their set with “is it too late?” immediately capturing the crowd’s attention. A few songs in, lead singer Dawson Daugherty encouraged students to move closer, joking, “That’s better, we’re less lonely over here now.”  

When they started playing “is it too late?” I was surprised by how many people around me instantly sang along. I didn’t even realize how popular their songs had become on campus until I heard students shouting lyrics word-for-word. Even if you didn’t walk in as a fan, you couldn’t help but feel pulled into the energy.

The lighthearted banter kept the audience engaged as the band introduced bassist Luke Fabry and guitarist Cole Clisby before debuting their unreleased track “lost,” which sparked excitement throughout the crowd.

What stood out most during the show wasn’t just the music; it was the way the audience responded. 

Fans were cheering and singing, while students who had never heard of almost monday before were clapping along, dancing with classmates, and pulling out their phones to record new songs they’d just discovered. The sense of connection spread quickly, turning the crowd into one big, unified chorus.

“That’s [playing an unreleased song] is cool,” Daughtery added. “I feel like college shows are always pretty fun. Kids are always down to have a good time.”

To close out the performance, almost monday played fan favorites “sunburn,” “sun keeps on shining,” and “life goes by,” leaving the audience singing, dancing, and even shouting “no, stay!” as Daugherty announced the final song. Before leaving the stage, he thanked Quinnipiac for inviting the band and the students for their energy.

The performance not only highlighted almost monday’s rising success but also showcased Quinnipiac’s dedication to creating memorable campus traditions.  Fall Fest once again proved to be more than just a seasonal celebration; it was a moment for students to come together, enjoy live music, and make memories that stretched far beyond the Arnhold Bernhard Library’s steps.