Artist Bio
Jhariah Clare (they/he) is a New York–born genre anarchist whose music fuses punk, theatrical pop, jazz, emo, cartoonish maximalism, and pure adrenaline into something unmistakably their own. Known for their Broadway-level performance energy, explosive vocals, and meticulous self-produced tracks, Jhariah has carved out a lane that blurs the lines between concert and full-blown spectacle.
Across releases like A Beginner’s Guide to Faking Your Death and RISK, RISK, RISK!, they blend narrative storytelling with high-voltage arrangements, often bending genres multiple times within the same song. In the alt scene, Jhariah has become a beacon for fans craving music that is both deeply emotional and wildly theatrical—shapeshifting and loud (positive).
Whether performing solo, backed by a full band, or accompanied by surprise guests, Jhariah’s live shows are a rare combination of vulnerability and chaos; ultimately, they offer an intense, cathartic release that leaves crowds breathless.
The Show
On a night already buzzing with anticipation for Waterparks, Jhariah launched the evening into full-throttle chaos. Their set at Starland Ballroom was an explosion of movement, color, and theatrical punch—proof that they aren’t just opening the show; they’re setting the pace.
From the moment they sprinted onstage for “BIGSHOT,” the energy in the room spiked to red-alert levels. Starland Ballroom is no stranger to loud crowds, yet Jhariah and the band had fans jumping along as if they were headlining. Their stage presence was magnetic—darting from one end of the stage to the other, punctuating every lyric with sharp gestures and bursts of momentum.
“DEBT COLLECTOR” and “FIRE4FUN” hit like theatrical punches, blending punk-rooted speed with playful vocal dramatics. The audience, a mix of longtime fans and first-timers waiting for Waterparks, quickly tuned into Jhariah’s wavelength. Even those unfamiliar with their catalog were shouting the call-and-response moments by the end of each chorus.
One of the night’s standout moments came during “RISK, RISK, RISK!”—a track already known for its high-speed, adrenaline-fueled arrangement. Live, it transformed into a full-body experience, with Jhariah practically levitating from the sheer momentum of the performance.
But the emotional center of the set arrived when Jhariah introduced a special guest;
Tyler Povanda from New Jersey’s own Save Face.
Together, they performed “A Lesson in Dramatics,” turning the Starland stage into a theatrical showdown. Their duet was electric—two dynamic voices weaving through a song built on tension and release. Fans screamed the moment Tyler walked out, and the collaboration felt like a hometown moment tailor-made for Jersey.
The set maintained its intensity through “Flight of the Crows,” Jhariah commanding the room with sweeping movements and razor-sharp vocals. Their storytelling instincts were on full display, shifting between sinister, playful, and triumphant tones within seconds.
To close, they delivered “PIN-EYE,” opening with a haunting, choir-style intro that washed over the room. The contrast between the serene vocal layering and the explosive full-band drop made it one of the most theatrical moments of the entire show—an ending that felt cinematic, almost ritualistic, and deeply intentional.
By the time they left the stage, the crowd was roaring like they’d just witnessed the climax of a musical rather than an mere opening set.
Setlist:
BIGSHOT, DEBT COLLECTOR, FIRE4FUN, [RISK, RISK, RISK!], A Lesson In Dramatics (ft. Tyler Povanda “Save Face”), Flight of the Crows, PIN-EYE
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