#TBT – The Happy Fits takeover Montclair’s The Wellmont Theatre in a special Halloween celebration!
Written by cupor1 on October 31, 2025
Indie-rock project and New Jersey’s own The Happy Fits took over The Wellmont Theatre on October 28, 2023, to celebrate local music, the band’s latest album, and get in the Halloween spirit!
After nearly two months of their headlining tour, The Happy Fits treated (trick or treated, if you will) their home state to a full day of good vibes, spooky costumes, and incredible music, showcasing nine bands across two stages for hours of fun.
As both a standalone festival performance and the conclusion of their headlining tour, The Happy Fits celebrated both Halloween and the release of their 2022 third studio album, Under The Shade of Green. They highlighted songs throughout their whole discography, giving new and seasoned fans alike a dynamic setlist to celebrate from start to finish.
Frontman Calvin Langman was as energetic as ever, dominating the stage with his signature electric cello in hand.
This was the first Jersey performance for then-filling-in members of The Happy Fits, guitarists Raina Mullen and Nicole Rosenbach, who perfectly matched the band’s with both incredible harmonies and stage presence. It’s no surprise that the pair have since joined the band full-time and had a great hand in creating their fourth album, Lovesick (2025).
Though drummer Luke Davis was not on the Under The Shade of Green Tour, the band’s co-founder surprised fans with a sublime appearance on the encore songs (fantastically dressed as Ken from The Barbie Movie, no less).
Earlier in the night, the Wellmont’s mainstage showcased epic performances by Boston indie-rockers Vundabar, Hoboken alternative band Phoneboy, NJ singer-songwriter Franklin Jonas (yes, that Jonas), and Minneapolis pop band Hot Freaks.
The highlight of the night for me was a stellar performance from Los Angeles folk-rock musician Windser, who has been on my bucket list of artists to see for a long time. His 2022 single “Memory” became a staple in my household, and I had the pleasure of learning more about him and his music when meeting him at his merch table at the end of the night!
In the sunlight, the whole day event began outside the theatre with daytime performances from North Jersey’s alternative group The Spins, Asbury Park surf-rock trio Dentist, and NJ indie band Flycatcher.
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Even after all these years, there are two types of people in Montclair, NJ: Those to attended Happy Fest, and those who wish they had. All roads of music conversation head back to this night… and Hallween hasn’t been the same since!
While The Happy Fits won’t be performing at the Wellmont this Halloween, they will be in the area for around a different holiday: The Happy Fits will be back in the Montclair area on their headlining 2025 tour at the Fillmore Philadelphia on December 11, and at the Brooklyn Paramount on December 12, 2025. More tour information is available on their official website!
THE HAPPY FITS –
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Review and photography by Emily McCormack
The Happy Fits performed on WMSC’s live music show WMSC Unplugged in summer 2022, debuting their new single “Around And Around.” The episode was a finalist for “Best Live Production” at the 2023 College Broadcasters Inc. National Student Production Awards. You can check out the episode here!
The Spins have since become three-time WMSC Unplugged performers. You can check out their sessions here!
