Indie rock trio arrives in Folsom just days into national run with emotionally charged live show
Just a few days into their 2026 tour, acclaimed indie rock band Weakened Friends will make a Sunday evening stop in Folsom, bringing their high-energy, emotionally raw sound to the historic Folsom Hotel Saloon on Jan. 25.
Formed in Portland, Maine, Weakened Friends has spent the past decade building a devoted following through cathartic songwriting, explosive live performances, and an unmistakable blend of indie rock, post-punk grit, and melodic urgency. Best known for their 2018 breakout song “Blue Again” from the debut album Common Blah, the band has since evolved into a deeply collaborative trio whose music explores identity, love, burnout, resilience, and creative rebirth.
The band is made up of married couple Sonia Sturino and Annie Hoffman, along with drummer Adam Hand. Their origin story, as described by their label DG Records, reads less like a traditional band formation and more like an unconventional family narrative built on trust and emotional honesty. What began as a simple invitation to start a band grew into a creative partnership that weathered personal change, romantic evolution, and artistic growing pains, ultimately becoming the foundation for music that resonates with listeners navigating their own complexities.
That intimacy is at the core of Weakened Friends’ sound, particularly on their third album, Feels Like Hell, which represents a turning point for the band. Unlike earlier releases where Sturino carried most of the songwriting alone, the album reflects a true collaboration between bandmates, shaped by compromise, trust, and shared intention.
Where previous work was marked by overthinking and creative exhaustion, Feels Like Hell emerged quickly and instinctively, capturing a raw, unfiltered energy that drives straight to the heart of each song.
The record also marks a deeply personal chapter for Sturino, written after embracing their identity as a gender-nonconforming person. That clarity, both personal and artistic, is evident in the band’s sound, with vocals that refuse restraint and lyrics that confront the forces threatening joy, spirit, and connection. The songs pulse with urgency and release, leaning fully into rock textures while maintaining the emotional intimacy that first drew fans in.
Weakened Friends. Photos: Justin Labadie
Live, Weakened Friends translate that intensity into performances that are equal parts explosive and vulnerable. Whether screaming along in crowded rooms, connecting with audiences through moments of quiet reflection, or pushing songs to their emotional edge, the band’s shows have earned a reputation for leaving a lasting imprint. Their early 2026 tour reflects that momentum, carrying them from Arizona through California and across the West, with the Folsom stop landing just five days into the run.
Sunday’s performance takes place at the Folsom Hotel Saloon, one of the city’s most enduring live music venues. Established in 1885, the historic hotel sits at the heart of the Folsom Historic District and has long paired Old West character with a vibrant modern nightlife scene. The saloon’s intimate setting has made it a favorite stop for touring artists and fans alike, offering close-up performances that amplify connection between performers and audience.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, with the show beginning at 7 p.m. The performance is open to all ages. Tickets are available online at www.folsomhotelsaloon.com, with demand expected as the tour gains momentum.
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