Switchfoot
Cowlitz Ballroom at ilani, Ridgefield, WA — June 18, 2026
RIDGEFIELD, WA — There are concerts, and then there are spiritual experiences. On June 18, 2026, at the Cowlitz Ballroom within the ilani Casino Resort, Switchfoot proved once again why they remain one of the most vital and exhilarating live acts in rock music today. Headlining a powerhouse lineup alongside 90s titans FUEL and Lit, the San Diego quintet delivered a set that was as intimate as it was anthemic.
The evening kicked off with high-octane nostalgia. FUEL set the bar high, getting the crowd off their feet with the quintessential millennial anthem “Hemorrhage (In My Hands). Lit followed suit, delivering a powerful performance highlighted by their massive hit “My Own Worse Enemy”. The room was already buzzing, but the atmosphere shifted the moment the house lights dimmed for the main event.
Switchfoot exploded onto the stage with “Stars,” and the energy never dipped. Watching Jon Foreman perform is a lesson in presence. He doesn’t just sing to the audience; he merges with them. True to form, he spent a significant portion of the night balanced on barricades and diving into the crowd, his face illuminated by a permanent, genuine smile. The band’s chemistry is unreal; they light up the stage with a sense of joy that is rare after decades on the road.
They performed new tracks from their upcoming album, Forever Now, including the “Wake Up Mr. Crow” and “Absolution.” A highlight of the night was their high-energy cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage,” a staple they’ve perfected over the years that sent the ballroom into a frenzy.
Having the privilege of being backstage, I saw the side of the band the cameras often miss. Jon Foreman and the rest of the guys are as down-to-earth as they come, taking time for real conversations and making everyone feel like part of the family. Standing on stage to photograph them was a dream come true, seeing firsthand the love and air-kicks that define their show.
They ended the night with “Dare You to Move,” performed amidst a sea of glowing cell phones. It was a moment of pure connection—a magical night of music that left every soul in the room feeling a little more alive.
Switchfoot is set to go on tour later this year with Anberlin, and it’s not one you want to miss!
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