Rex Orange County @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia
May 13th 2022: Rex Orange County @ The Mann Center Skyline Stage - Philadelphia
Rex Orange County - Photos Courtesy of Carolyn Lederach
Don’t change a thing, you are amazing. The lyrics off of one of Rex’s latest tracks from the album WHO CARE? couldn’t describe his live show any better. Starting off the show in anticipation, you can catch some of the cute touches to the set production, like the city spelled out on the piano at the edge of the stage, or the cute smiling sun and moon artwork donning the curtain as the crowd anxious awaits Rex to step on stage.
As Rex enters the stage through the curtain you can’t help but immediately catch onto his contagious smile. This continues throughout the show as you take in his excited manner of taking over the stage and having a fun time. Along with the fun stage decor of neon thumbs up, beach balls, and Rex’s personalized Who Cares tracksuit you just know you’re in for a fun time!
Hiatus Kaiyote @ Riviera Theater - Chicago
April 28th 2023: Hiatus Kaiyote @ Riviera Theater - Chicago, IL
Hiatus Kaiyote - Photos Courtesy of Timi Ikene
Australian Jazz Outfit Hiatus Kaiyote graced the Chicago stage on April 28th, 2023. The group’s genre is a bit ambiguous, but heavily influenced by "acid" jazz, R&B, with tasteful funk notes (provided by bassist Paul Bender). From the complex and funky bass line of “Chivalry is not Dead, to the melodic and lovely one in “Molasses.” Paired with Nai Palm's dynamic vocal range, the group glided the crowd through an eclectic sonic journey, causing a head bob to even the most stoic of listeners. It was an evening reminiscent of sweet summer nights, lively jives, and solemn stories. Hiatus Kaiyote, you're always welcome in Chicago.
Zae France @ Union Stage - Washington DC
April 11th 2023: Zae France, @ Union Stage - Washington, DC
Zae France - Photos Courtesy of Sarah Peter
Zae France, a North Carolina-born, LA-based R&B musician performed at Union Stage in Washington D.C. on April 11, for the third stop of his THIS VIBE AIN’T FOR EVERYBODY tour. He delivered an intimate show filled with smooth vocals and sensual tunes to the passionate D.C. crowd.
Before taking the stage, Zae France invited two local musicians and one New York-based singer to open the night, and together they helped set the mood for the evening. DMV (DC, MD, VA) native Janae Music started the set with her authentic and soulful songs, hyping up the crowd with her infectious stage presence. KP_ performed next, and with the help of her brother and fellow musician Tsoul, she introduced everyone to her classic R&B style. Finally, Nikki Jayy from New York rounded out the opening with a bubbly personality and her uniquely funky R&B-infused music.
Once the crowd was truly vibing to supporting act DJ Eazy’s beats, Zae France took the stage and immediately turned up the heat with his sultry energy - quite literally causing panties to drop (and be thrown at his feet). Performing a set list that spanned his entire discography, everyone seemed to know all the lyrics for songs such as “Done Up” from his 2019 album Rhythm n Backwoods, and “I’m Yours” from Pretty Girls NVR Listen. Fans put out good energy all evening – swaying, dancing, and singing along to each track.
At one point during the show, a fan was invited up to join Zae France, dancing intimately with him on stage for his popular 2021 single, “Leg Day.” Near the end of the performance, he asked the crowd to take some shots with him, sharing a bottle of liquor with a few people across the front of the stage.
Zae France closed out his set with his latest single, “What It Do,” and an older favorite, “Comfort Zone,” before thanking the D.C. crowd for their energy and inviting everyone to meet him at his merch table after the show.
Janae Music | KP | Nikki Jayy | DJ Eazy
Janae Music
KP_
Nikki Jayy
Sam MacPherson @ World Cafe Live - Philly
April 18th 2023: Sam MacPherson, Mikey Ferrari - Philadelphia, PA
Sam MacPherson - Photos Courtesy of Carolyn Lederach
Jersey boy Sam MacPherson kicked off the second night of his Powerlines headlining tour at Philadelphia’s World Cafe Live. Sam’s latest EP Powerlines was released this month by Elektra Records. Sam and his band, which included his brother on guitar, played a flawless set that was a nice mix of Sam classics and new jams. The show kicked off by LA (by way of Montana) songwriter Mikey Ferrari.
Mikey Ferrari
Lewis Capaldi @ The Met - Philly
April 4th 2023: Lewis Capaldi, Em Beihold - Philadelphia, PA
Lewis Capaldi - Photos Courtesy of Carolyn Lederach
Em Beihold
Ibeyi @ Thalia Hall - Chicago
March 19th 2023: Ibeyi, Kara Jackson @ Thalia Hall - Chicago, IL
Ibeyi - Photos Courtesy of Sidney Green
On March 19th, French Afro-Cuban duo Ibeyi made a stop at Thalia Hall in Chicago on their Spell 31 tour. This is the first time the twin sisters have toured the United States in several years.
The show was opened with an acoustic set by local rising talent Kara Jackson. The singer-songwriter played several original songs and a couple of covers. Kara’s debut album “Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?” is set to be released on April 14th of this year.
Throughout their set, Ibeyi played a mix of tracks from their self-titled debut album “Ibeyi” (2015), sophomore album “Ashes” (2017), and their latest release “Spell 31” (2022). Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Diaz are both multilingual, which is uniquely showcased within their songs sung in English, French, Spanish and Yoruba. The duo have a vibrant and lively stage presence as they sing and dance to the rhythm echoing across the room. It was clear from the excitement and energy radiating from the crowd that this was a highly-anticipated and memorable night for their fans. Overall, I think anyone who was in attendance regardless of being familiar with their music or not was bound to have a great time at their show.
Kara Jackson
Colony House @ House of Blues Chicago - Chicago
March 14th 2023: Colony House, little image @ House of Blues Chicago - Chicago, IL
Colony House - Photos Courtesy of Emily Nava
On Tuesday, March 14th, 2023, Tennessee-based indie rock band Colony House brought their "The Cannonballers" tour to House of Blues Chicago, with support from Little Image.
Little Image opened the night with lively interpretations of songs from their upcoming album "Self Titled" due in May 2023, including previously released singles such as "BALLET" and "OUT OF MY MIND".
Colony House brought out their rock and roll energy right away as they started their set with the first two songs on "The Cannonballers" — "Landlocked Surf Rock" and "Would Ya Could Ya". Colony House kept the enthusiastic crowd engagement going as frontman Caleb Chapman immersed himself in the crowd during the hit "Silhouettes".
Though the floor of House of Blues Chicago bounced throughout the night as Colony House played their new album almost entirely in full, while weaving in some old songs throughout their set, the band still held space for intimate moments to connect with the crowd. Between stories of the band's beginnings and inviting a young fan on stage to play a song on guitar with them, Colony House proved that their range as surf rockers know no limits, and they will be back in town before we know it.
little image
Kenia Os @ House of Blues Chicago - Chicago
March 15th 2023: Kenia Os @ House of Blues Chicago - Chicago, IL
Kenia Os - Photos Courtesy of Emily Nava
On Wednesday, March 15th, 2023, rising Mexican pop star Kenia Os brought her K23 tour to a sold-out crowd at House of Blues Chicago. After releasing two albums "Cambios de Luna" and "K23" in 2022, Kenia Os embarked on her first tour through the United States, following a viral moment with her hit song "Malas Decisiones" on TikTok. Throughout the night, Kenia Os performed beautifully choreographed songs to an enthusiastic crowd that knew all of the words. Her performance even included a cover of "Como La Flor" by the late Selena. Fans showed love throughout the night by throwing flowers and other gifts on stage and even held up signs and banners declaring their love for Kenia Os. With an audience so receptive to her music and message, it is no surprise that Kenia Os sold out her show in Chicago and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future at venues around the world.
