Miami-based indie-funk group Magic City Hippies brought their signature groove to the Echo Lounge & Music Hall on March 8th, with an electrifying performance. Joined by fellow Floridians Mustard Service, the night was a genre-blurring blend of surf rock, funk and indie energy that kept the crowd dancing from start to finish.
Magic City Hippies have been making waves in the indie-funk scene for years. With standout releases like Modern Animal and Water Your Garden, they have solidified their reputation as a must-see live act. Their previous tours have brought them through Texas before, but each show manages to feel like a fresh and uniquely high-energy experience.
The night kicked off with Mustard Service, whose setlist featured their signature mix of jazzy surf rock and lo-fi indie vibes. Fans were treated to a surprise when John from Magic City Hippies joined them on stage for a song. It was a crossover moment that set the tone for the night’s collaborative energy. In addition to well-loved tracks like “(Your Cat) Don’t Stand a Chance,” they also played unreleased music, which showcased a fresh, dynamic sound that left the audience eager for more. Before wrapping up their set, the band took a moment to express their gratitude to the venue, sound and lighting crew, and Magic City Hippies for making the night possible.
As the headliners, Magic City Hippies wasted no time launching into their set, opening with the infectious groove of “I Can’t Let You Go.” From there, the energy only escalated, with highlights including the soulful “Franny” and their cover of Ginuwine’s “Pony” seamlessly woven into their own track “Little Bit of Love.” The funk-driven mashup was a perfect showcase of their ability to blend nostalgic throwbacks with their own unique sound.
Throughout the night, the band’s chemistry was palpable, amplified by the presence of their tour manager who doubled as their trumpeter – a rare and exciting addition that added a brassy depth to their already rich sound. The show reached peaked intensity when the keyboardist Jake Pinto snuck into the balcony during the set, playing guitar from above while fans cheered him on. Not to be outdone, lead singer Robby Hunter jumped into the crowd, blurring the lines between performer and audience in a moment of raw energy. These moments of spontaneity and connection made the performance feel even more immersive.
Another key figure of the night was Dallas Dave, who played a crucial role in stage setup and logistics throughout the set. The band affectionately acknowledged him, and since it was his birthday, the crowd joined in singing “Happy Birthday” in a touching moment of celebration. At one point, in a heartfelt exchange, Robby Hunter says “I love you” to a fan, adding a personal touch to an already intimate performance.
As the night continued, the energy peaked during “Reptilia” by The Strokes, a high-voltage cover that had the entire venue singing along. For the encore, Magic City Hippies delivered a jaw-dropping back-to-back performance of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” and their own song “Hush.” The unexpected metal-meets-indie-funk finale sent the audience into a frenzy, proving once again why they are one of the most dynamic live acts in indie music today.
With a mix of funky rhythms, heartfelt moments and high-energy covers, Magic City Hippies and Mustard Service crafted an unforgettable night in Dallas. Their ability to seamlessly blend nostalgia with fresh, genre-defying sounds ensured that fans left Echo Lounge & Music Hall already anticipating their return.
I’m a digital and film photographer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Originally from Atlanta, I graduated from Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and a minor in Psychology. I’ve attended over 100 live shows (and counting!) and have a collection of setlists from my favorite shows. When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me running half marathons or happily exploring the local food scene in search of hidden gems.
