Alter Bridge @ The Louisville Palace - Louisville
May 11th 2023: Alter Bridge, Sevendust @ Louisville Palace - Louisville, KY
Sevendust - Photos Courtesy of Emily May
On May 11th, Orlando rock band Alter Bridge brought their Pawns & Kings US Tour to Louisville for a magical night of music! The Louisville Palace is a beautiful historic theater and was packed with fans this evening who were ready to rock out. Aside from the seating on the floor and balconies, there was a pit section right near the stage for a few lucky fans to enjoy each band up close, making for a more intimate experience. Opening the show this evening was the Atlanta rock band Sevendust. Starting their set with “Face To Face”, they performed an energetic 10-song set that included tracks such as “Denial”, “Disgrace”, “Shine”, and “Crucified”. These guys were full of energy from the start of their set and engaged with the crowd throughout. “To those who are new to us, we are Sevendust,” announced singer Lajon Witherspoon early in the set. He was all smiles throughout the set, with him, Vince Hornsby (bass/backing vocals), John Connolly (rhythm guitar/backing vocals), and Clint Lowry (lead guitar/backing vocals) directly interacting with the fans up front.
They all moved around the stage in an effort to give each side of the theater and crowd ample attention! With plenty of energy themselves on stage, they made sure to get the crowd pumped and moving, as well, with Witherspoon telling the crowd early on, “You can sit down later! Right now, let’s rock!”. He went on to say how much the band loves Louisville and how much they loved and respected Alter Bridge and were glad to be out on tour with their friends! Announcing that their new album Truth Killer would be out on July 28th, Witherspoon asked the crowd who had listened to their new single “Fence” which had just been released that day and who had seen the video, before launching into the song. Towards the end of the song, he had the crowd wave their hands in the air, adding to the fun energy of the set. Towards the end of the set, the band performed “Shine”, with Witherspoon talking beforehand about how special the song was to him, as it was about his younger brother who had died several years ago. He dedicated the song to his brother, saying how much he wished his brother was still alive but how he feels like his spirit and energy are with the band every single night. Ending their set with “Thank You”, he went on to say “Thank you, guys, for always making us feel like family. When you come to see Sevendust, it’s not a concert, it’s a family reunion. We love you. Be safe. Will you have us back again? Thank you! God Bless! We are Sevendust.”
Closing out the evening was Alter Bridge. The crowd was in high spirits, cheering and clapping as soon as the band walked out on stage. Having formed in 2004, they have amassed quite a loyal fan base and it was clear that the band loves their fans as much as their fans love them! The band released their latest album, Pawns & Kings, in October of last year and started out their set this evening with a track from the album, “Silver Tongue”, followed by “Addicted To Pain” and “Before Tomorrow Comes”. Singer/guitarist Myles Kennedy then chatted a bit with the crowd, saying “Louisville! It’s so great to be here! How great was Sevendust? Aside from being some of the best in the business, they are just really great guys. This is going to be a great tour!”. Kennedy, Mark Tremonti (guitar/lead and backing vocals), and Brian Marshall (bass) engaged with the fans throughout their set, shaking the hands of those in the pit area and pointing and smiling at those who were singing along! Kennedy at one point, though, led each side of the venue and the balconies in a “scream-off” to see who could scream the loudest, engaging with the rest of the fans, as well.
A few songs in, Kennedy announced that it was his favorite part of the night where he got to sit back and just focus on guitar before announcing “Ladies and Gentlemen-Mr. Mark Tremonti!”. The band then performed the Tremonti-sung track “Burn It Down”, on which Tremonti and Kennedy both had great guitar solos. Marshall, Tremonti, and drummer Scott Phillips then left the stage, leaving Kennedy on stage alone with an acoustic guitar. He then performed “Watch Over You”, with the emotion of the song washing over the crowd. Two stools were then brought on stage, with Tremonti coming out to join Kennedy. They then performed a second acoustic song together, “In Loving Memory”, with Tremonti playing guitar while Kennedy sang. It was a really beautiful and intimate moment, with Kennedy’s incredible voice carrying throughout the theater and the crowd singing along with him. As the rest of the band came back out on stage, Kennedy asked the crowd if everyone was having a good time. He then joked about how funny it was to ask that because what’s everyone going to say? No, we’re having a terrible time! Get off the stage”, then laughing with the crowd. They then performed the title track from their new album, followed by an introduction of the band by Kennedy. “Thanks again for coming out tonight! You all have been great!”. Then performing "Isolation” and “Metalingus”, the band performed an encore to end the night! Closing out the show with “Rise Today”, the fans sang along one last time! It was a really great evening of music that left the crowd buzzing long after the music ended!
Sevendust
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
