On Saturday, the hardcore band Turnstile played to tens of thousands of people in the shadow of the Washington Monument.

Official estimates put the total attendance at more than 60,000 people, with many more being turned away at the gates due to capacity concerns. The conditions were ideal: blue skies, sunshine, temperatures in the lower 60s. Fans moshed and crowd surfed, singing while they glided along a sea of hands.

Fans like Isabella Steven see Turnstile as a representation of love. “I've been following them around for a good few years, and seeing how much they've evolved and what they've given back to the community is so beautiful."

The concert was free and open to the public, with attendees encouraged to donate to the Canada-based charity Human Concern International which raises money for refugees in places like Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan. The concert took two years to put together because of the complexities involved with playing on federal grounds. The band’s drummer Daniel Fang likened it to a regional homecoming — Turnstile hails from Baltimore — and a love letter to the legendary DC hardcore scene.

“Is it loud enough for the White House to hear?” lead singer Brendan Yates asked the crowd toward the end of the show. Given the volume of the show and the short distance between the Monument lawn and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it’s safe to say the sound carried far enough. Whether they got the message is another question.

Yates raises a Palestinian flag during the show. A portion of donations collected will go toward helping people in Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan.
Yates raises a Palestinian flag during the show. A portion of donations collected will go toward helping people in Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Many fans traveled from outside the DC area to attend the show.
Many fans traveled from outside the DC area to attend the show.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Tens of thousands of spectators showed up to the National Mall.
Tens of thousands of spectators showed up to the National Mall.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Drummer Daniel Fang and guitarist Meg Mills play during the free concert. Turnstile formed in 2010 and released their fourth studio album "Never Enough" last year.
Drummer Daniel Fang and guitarist Meg Mills play during the free concert. Turnstile formed in 2010 and released their fourth studio album "Never Enough" last year.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Turnstile performed some of their most popular songs, including "Blackout" and "Holiday."
Turnstile performed some of their most popular songs, including "Blackout" and "Holiday."
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Fans pack the National Mall with the US Capitol in the background.
Fans pack the National Mall with the US Capitol in the background.
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A couple wearing matching Turnstile jerseys waits for the show to begin.
A couple wearing matching Turnstile jerseys waits for the show to begin.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Security attempts to grab a crowd surfer.
Security attempts to grab a crowd surfer.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Bassist Franz Lyons is one of the founding members of Turnstile. A telephone, referencing the band's song "Dull," lays next to the stage. In the song, Yates sings while making a phone motion, “Deep in the night, I’m waiting for a call.”
Bassist Franz Lyons is one of the founding members of Turnstile. A telephone, referencing the band's song "Dull," lays next to the stage. In the song, Yates sings while making a phone motion, “Deep in the night, I’m waiting for a call.”
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Fans form a mosh pit in the crowd.
Fans form a mosh pit in the crowd.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Fans rest on the grass ahead of the concert.
Fans rest on the grass ahead of the concert.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Fans react as Yates sings on stage.
Fans react as Yates sings on stage.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Justin Combs of Texas stretches before the show. “I wanted to close out the tour with them ... and this is a good cause. It's a real reason to come," he said.
Justin Combs of Texas stretches before the show. “I wanted to close out the tour with them ... and this is a good cause. It's a real reason to come," he said.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Many fans crowd surfed throughout the show, which concluded the band's "Never Enough" Tour that started last year.
Many fans crowd surfed throughout the show, which concluded the band's "Never Enough" Tour that started last year.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN