Photos: Vertical Horizon and Five for fighting @ arvada center (arvada, co)

Five For Fighting (Los Angeles, CA)

Vertical Horizon (Worcester, MA)

Arvada Center Amphitheater (Arvada, CO)

August 19th, 2025

Tucked away in my backyard, the Arvada Center sits along Wadsworth Blvd. It’s not easy to miss as there is a sizable sculpture garden next other than the road in the open. The one thing I did not know about it though, there is an outdoor amphitheater hidden behind the trees. This is where I was transported back to the early 2000’s with Five For Fighting and Vertical Horizon.

Vertical Horizon began the show with “You Never Let Me Down” and during the second song, lead signer Matt Scannell did something I rarely; if ever see; he asked the crowd to stand and sing along. I’ve been to a lot of shows, but to ask them to get so involved so early? I will however, let you know that this did indeed work!

Later on during the set, Matt told a touring story about buying an old RV before hitting the road and driving it through Colorado on said tour. It was December, in an RV, in the mountains. The crowd some laughs, groans and there were definitively a few disappointed parent comments.

John Ondrasik (a.k.a. Five For Fighting) treats his shows much like an episode of Storytellers, which I really appreciate. Getting to hear the stories behind the songs, inspirations and experiences he has been through because of music is what makes a show special. He spoke about visiting and performing for the troops over seas, getting to perform one of his earliest released songs “2 Frogs” with this daughter, and many about his wife; Carla Berkowitz.

One of the highlights from the set was John speaking about his travels to Ukrainian, and performing “Can One Man Save the World” with The Ukrainian Orchestra. spoke of the destruction, the emotion and painted a picture of the setting that they were set in to perform and record this song. After doing so, he performed the song, along with a backing track of the orchestral performance. It was a very cool and emotional moment in the show and very thankful for that being performed.