Street Light Curfew Ready to Light Up Toledo Pride with Genre-Blending Energy

Toledo, Ohio may be known for its industrial legacy and “Glass City” nickname, but after dark, the city transforms into a vibrant hub for live music and artistic expression. One of the best examples of that creative energy is its cover band scene—loud, loyal, and ever-growing. Leading the charge is Street Light Curfew, a high-energy band that has quickly become a local favorite thanks to its genre-blending sets and electrifying performances.

This August, Street Light Curfew will take the stage at Toledo Pride, bringing their unique sound to one of the city’s most anticipated celebrations. Fans can expect an unforgettable show packed with crowd favorites, unexpected covers, and pure heart.

Formed just a few years ago, Street Light Curfew quickly built a reputation for their lively stage presence and versatile setlist. Lead singer Amber Wilkes says the group started out focusing on ‘90s and early 2000s hits but has since evolved into something more dynamic.

“We wanted something that conveyed ‘millennial jams,’” Wilkes explained, when asked about the band’s name. “Millennials—and some older Gen Z-ers—were the last kids to play outside without GPS tracking. You knew it was time to go home when the street lights came on. A friend suggested ‘Street Light Curfew,’ and it just clicked.”

These days, their shows span everything from Fleetwood Mac and Dua Lipa to a heavy, unexpected cover of Katy Perry’s E.T.—a song that’s become a crowd favorite.

“We almost dropped it,” Wilkes said, laughing. “But the guys gave it this heavy instrumental vibe while I kept the vocals pop. People go nuts—it has shock value, and it’s fun.”

What sets the band apart isn’t just their setlist—it’s the diversity of influences they bring to each performance. Each member hails from a different musical background, ranging from hardcore and reggae to EDM and musical theatre.

“It feels like we’re building our own special audience,” Wilkes said. “People from all these different scenes are coming together at our shows. And we’ve had incredible support from other local bands—Not Fast Enuff, Arctic Clam, Whiskey Gypsy, and Pop’s Garage really helped us get started.”

That spirit of local support is exactly what makes Toledo Pride such a powerful event, says organizer Lexi Staples. She acknowledges that putting together a festival of this size doesn’t come without challenges.

“Working with the City of Toledo to get zoning permits can be a challenge,” Staples said. “But when the bands go on stage, all the hard work of my team and the local acts is worth it.”

Staples also praised the city for making the process of planning Pride as accessible as possible.

“Getting permits for the festival and parade are user-friendly and pain-free,” she said. “The City of Toledo really wants to see the arts thrive, and they know it will benefit the local economy.”

As Street Light Curfew prepares for their Pride debut, Wilkes says the band is planning a high-energy, feel-good set that reflects the spirit of the event. One song fans can count on hearing? I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness—a glam rock anthem that brought the house down during their recent set at LoveFest.

“We want this set to be joyful, inclusive, and high-energy,” Wilkes said. “Toledo Pride is about community, and we’re honored to be part of it.”