On a humid July evening in Houston, the Bronze Peacock at House of Blues was buzzing with anticipation.
The Volunteers, a South Korean rock band that had captured hearts even before their official debut in 2017, were about to light up the stage for their North America Tour. Their fans, a diverse mix from all walks of life, filled the venue, each with their own story of how TVT’s music had touched their lives.
The Volunteers consists of members Yerin Baek, Jonny (Kwak Min-hyeok), and Chiheon (Kim Chi-heon), who started making music together without any promise of fame or fortune. They were simply “the people who volunteer to provide music that can do good for others.” This pure passion for music resonated deeply with their fans, who had streamed their early tracks millions of times on Soundcloud and YouTube.
The night began with the electrifying chords of “Velvet Glove,” and the crowd erupted. The energy was palpable, building with each song. During the emotional ballad “L,” a fan handed Baek a cowboy hat. The sight of her wearing it while pouring her heart into the lyrics added a unique, unexpected charm to the performance. The disco ball above spun, casting a cascade of lights that danced across the room, amplifying the song’s emotional depth.
As the set progressed, Baek was given a white plush bunny in between songs, a gift from a mega fan who had followed the tour. Baek, with a warm smile, placed it beside her mic stand, a symbol of the deep connection between the band and their supporters.
When the last notes of “Summer” faded, the crowd clamored for more. The band obliged with an encore, and Baek, feeling the energy, admitted she was a bit tipsy as she took a swig from her drink. This only seemed to fuel her performance, making it more raw and uninhibited. She jumped and yelled the lyrics, her hair flying as she moved across the stage, sharing her infectious energy with everyone in the room.
The encore was a whirlwind of raw energy. Baek, her voice a mix of aggression and emotion, jumped and yelled the lyrics, her hair flying as she moved. The band played “Let me go!” a heavy, playful track that had everyone dancing. Baek approached the barricade, accepting a bouquet of flowers from a fan, while the drummer, Chiheon, threw a banner into the crowd as a final gesture of gratitude.
Throughout the night, Jonny, the band’s leader, and guitarist, provided solid backing vocals, his presence a steady anchor. The story of their band’s name, rooted in their early days of volunteering to make music without compensation, resonated deeply. They were not just performers; they were a band that believed in the power of music to do good.
As the lights dimmed and the band exited the stage, the fans lingered, savoring the afterglow of an unforgettable night. The Volunteers had once again proven that their music wasn’t just about notes and rhythms; it was about connection, emotion, and the shared experience of something truly special.
Be sure to check out this amazing band! If you’re craving more live event coverage, don’t hesitate to explore our dedicated page for more remarkable shows!
I am a writer and photographer based in Houston, Texas. I am currently attending the University of Houston as a Marketing major, and a PR and MIS minor. I am passionate about my work through the various creative avenues I use such as writing, designing, and photography. In my free time I enjoy delving into rabbit holes and discovering new things!
