Frankie Jonas & The Byzantines at Joe's LIVE in Rosemont 2026 Front Row Music News

25 Sep, 2026 Alexandra Geshel Alternative, Concert Reviews, Indie, Latest, Pop, Rock

Frankie Jonas - Photo credit: Alexandra Geshel

Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines Bring the Energy to Rosemont

Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines just played Joe’s Live in Rosemont and holy smokes was this one of those shows I wish I could relive. I have been waiting for a long time to see Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines play/tour Chicago on a headline tour and not opening for anyone, so when I saw they were doing a headline show out at Joes Live in Rosemont, I knew I had to be there and I am so happy I was. This really is a show that you can take the whole family too but also make new friends.

Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines music is very much what I would call kind of Folk rock/indie but the energy is not at all what a typical folk rock band gives. No instead, this band is running up and down that stage but is also in the crowd with you. Franklin Jonas literally comes off the stage to sing the 2nd song and not only run throughs the whole crowd but also will start dancing with fans or twirling them. I was just in shock because that is something you just don’t see a whole lot of bands do anymore but especially I feel like at least in the Folk rock/indie scene.

A Tour Built Around a New Album

What I loved about this show too is even when the music has ended, and the band is packing up, you are still smiling ear to ear just because you had so much fun. Franklin Jonas is truly a performer and I am so happy they are doing this tour!

Now the story about the tour is the band was about to release a new album so of course, we are doing a tour to celebrate it, except the album has not been released yet so instead of canceling the tour, Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines decided why not go on the row and instead play the whole album live for fans to enjoy. It’s definitely unique but fans loved it.

So much so that I met so many wonderful people in line talking about how this is their 2nd, 5th, 8th time seeing this tour which blew my mind but they can’t get enough of A. this album but also B. the band it’s self!

Franklin Jonas & Allie Stamler Join Forces

Polyglam was the opener here in Chicago and I had never heard of them but honestly I absolutely loved this trio! Polyglam played some newer stuff which has not been released yet but hopefully soon since they are on tour at the moment but they are also playing some old stuff as well which had fans so excited who have seen them before.

If you are new to this band like I was, I will say their music does kind of give me dreamscape/using your imagination vibes which is different but also has a fun way of being very comforting in such a manner.

Singer Allie and guitarist Rachel also love getting close with one another on stage and it’s just fun to watch them jam out but also the chemistry on stage is incredible. I also loved seeing Allie interact with the fans as much as she could from balancing singer and also playing the Violin.

Overall, for an opener, I really enjoyed them and can’t wait to hear their first full length album but also see where they go!

Conclusion

Overall, I really loved this show and honestly can’t wait to see what Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines do next. Between the new music, the energy, and how much fun everyone seemed to be having, this is definitely a band I would love to see again!