Mix 106.5 Deck The Hall Ball at The University of Maryland-Baltimore

Maryland, USA – December 12, 2024

Written and Photographed by Caden Forrester (@flicksby4ster)

The holiday spirit was in full swing at the University of Maryland-Baltimore on December 12, 2024, where Mix 106.5 hosted its annual Deck the Hall Ball. This year’s event promised a night of festive cheer and unforgettable music, boasting a stellar lineup that included rising pop artist Dasha, Grammy-nominated rock band The Fray, and soulful sensation Teddy Swims. The excitement and anticipation were palpable the moment I arrived, as fans of all ages lined up outside the venue—some sporting holiday sweaters, others sporting big smiles, all ready for an evening of celebration.

Dasha

The evening began with Dasha, the emerging star whose pop-infused melodies quickly energized the crowd. As lights dimmed to welcome the first act, I felt a wave of curiosity wash over the audience—myself included—since Dasha is fairly new to the scene.

She opened her set with a bright, upbeat number that showcased her smooth vocals and lively stage presence. Dasha seemed determined to create a memorable first impression. Her confidence on stage was a pleasant surprise given her relatively recent debut; she took the attention of everyone in the room from the very first song. Between tracks, Dasha shared a few heartfelt messages, thanking fans and expressing her excitement at being part of a holiday-themed lineup. You could sense her gratitude in every word. As her set concluded, it was clear that she wasn’t just a promising newcomer—she was an artist capable of holding her own on a stage shared by household names.

The Fray

Next up, The Fray brought their signature piano-driven rock sound to the forefront, transporting many in the crowd back to the mid-2000s when hits like “Over My Head” and “How To Save A Life” dominated radio airwaves. The moment they stepped on stage, a sense of familiarity swept through the audience—myself included. I could practically feel the collective nostalgia rising as they launched into their opener, “Angelono Moon,” setting the tone for their performance.

There was a somewhat fresh feel to the band, given the former lead vocalist’s stepping down. Isaac Slade had left the band in 2022 and has only come back to record on their 2024 album. The Co-Founder and backing vocalist Joe King stepped up and filled his shoes. Throughout the set, the newfound lead singer Joe King sung his heart out over tracks like “Over My Head,” “Look After You,” and “You Found Me” in a live setting felt like reconnecting with old friends—reassuring and nostalgic. The crowd sang along passionately, their voices echoing throughout the venue.

During their third song, “Hurricane,” co-lead vocalist Joe King made a memorable entrance into the crowd—an unexpected moment that instantly intensified the energy in the room. As he stepped off the stage and began walking through the audience, concertgoers rushed to greet him, creating a wave of excitement that rippled throughout the venue. This up-close connection between King and his fans was a vivid reminder of The Fray’s sincerity and deep gratitude toward their supporters. With a genuine smile and microphone in hand, he continued to sing amid the cheering crowd. The set was wrapped up with, “Christmas All Over,” a fitting song given the holiday season.

The Fray Setlist-

Angelono Moon

Over My Head

Hurricane

Look After You

Time Well Wasted

Never Say Never

You Found Me

How To Save A Life

Christmas All Over

Teddy Swims

Rounding out the night was Teddy Swims, whose soulful vocals and powerful stage presence proved why he’s rapidly gaining recognition in the music industry. Though Teddy is a somewhat newer figure compared to The Fray, the crowd clearly knew his material—cheers erupted from the moment he walked on stage.

Teddy’s set took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster: from the upbeat groove of “Broke” to the introspective and heart-rending “All That Really Matters.” I found myself swaying along, completely absorbed by his dynamic range and the raw sincerity in his lyrics. 

By the closing song, “Lose Control,” the entire crowd was on their feet. Teddy’s ability to blend soulful R&B with pop-rock influences proved magnetic, and it was clear that everyone left with a newfound—or reaffirmed—admiration for his artistry.

Teddy Swims Setlist-

Goodbye's Been Good to You

What More Can I Say

Broke

911

Hammer to the Heart

All That Really Matters

Bad Dreams

Devil in a Dress

Apple Juice

Sara Smile

(Daryl Hall & John Oates cover)

Funeral

Some Things I'll Never Know

Bed on Fire

Tell Me

Lose Control

The Door

Dasha had proved herself worthy of the rising-star label, The Fray reminded us of the power of nostalgia, and Teddy Swims left a lasting impression with his stirring vocals. Each act brought something unique to the stage—together, they exemplified what a holiday celebration should be: warm, inclusive, and exhilarating. Mix 106.5 Deck the Hall Ball once again delivered a night of great music and festive camaraderie.

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