Photo Ladies 3/3/25 Photo Ladies 3/3/25

ian @ Mercury Ballroom - Louisville

March 2nd, 2025: ian @ Mercury Ballroom - Louisville, KY

If there’s anything you can expect from an Ian concert, it’s an energy-packed, high-volume, unforgettable experience. The 19-year-old rapper from St. Louis, MO took the stage at Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, KY and from the moment the music began, the crowd was locked in - ready to go, and Ian didn’t let up whatsoever.

Performing some crowd favorites such as 3.5, AirBnb, Hate Me, and Magic Johnson, Ian’s commanding stage presence, paired with impeccable delivery, had the audience roaring with every lyric nonstop. The connection between Ian and his fans was undeniable, which created an electric atmosphere throughout the venue and served as one of the loudest crowds I’ve heard in a while.

A memorable moment during the show included his producer Lucas on the piano, followed by Ian doing a quick transition into his song ‘3.5’. Although there were no openers for this show, Ian easily proved that his performance alone was enough to carry the entire night. With tonight’s show being Ian’s very first time in Kentucky, he was more than impressed by the energy the crowd gave him and I’m sure it won’t be too long before he returns to Louisville.

Ian’s love for his fans did not go unnoticed as he held a meet and greet before the show started, and came outside to meet fans waiting over an hour in the cold temperatures. There was never a moment where he didn’t express gratitude for all of the support, which made the night feel more personal. Overall, Ian’s concert was an experience that shouldn’t be missed. With his passion, talent, and infectious energy, it’s clear that he’s not going anywhere for a long time and I’m excited to see where his journey takes him.

Emily May 3/3/25 Emily May 3/3/25

Faye Webster @ Paristown Hall - Louisville

February 23rd, 2025 : Faye Webster, Mei Ehara @ Paristown Hall - Louisville, KY

Faye Webster | Photos Courtesy of: Emily May

Singer-Songwriter Faye Webster performed to a sold-out (or nearly sold-out) show at Paristown Hall on February 23rd. The line to get in was the longest line I have ever seen at this venue. Luckily there are three security lines to get in, making the wait much quicker than one would imagine! Performing a mix of genres that include indie-folk, alternative, modern R&B, and country, she has garnered an ever-growing and loyal fan base of adoring fans over the years. Webster released her latest album, Underdressed At The Symphony, in March of last year. She started out her set with two songs from the album, “But Not Kiss” and “Wanna Quit All the Time”, performing other new tracks that included “Lifetime”, “Tttttime”, and “Lego Ring”. She also performed older tracks such as “Right SIde of My Neck”, “Jonny”, and “Kingston”. With a stage production that mesmerized through beautiful, soft lighting, as well as an incredible band, she gave an amazing performance that did not disappoint! Japanese artist Mei Ehara opened the show with a captivating solo set!

MEI EHARA

Carolyn Lederach 2/28/25 Carolyn Lederach 2/28/25

Foster the People @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia

February 21st 2025: Foster the People, Good Neighbours @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia, PA

Foster the People - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach

Good Neighbours

Photo Ladies 2/25/25 Photo Ladies 2/25/25

Jordana @ Drake Underground - Toronto

February 20th, 2025: Jordana @ Drake Underground- Toronto, ON

Jordana | Photos Courtesy of: Peyton Mott

Underneath Toronto’s Drake Hotel, a thrumming bass travelled up the stairwell. The audience gathered affront the stage enjoying opener, Rachel Bobbit, counting down the minutes to Jordana’s debut.

The porcelain indie-pop artist, Jordana greeted the crowd with a coy smile before hopping right into the opening track, “We Get By” from her 2024 release. Fittingly to her cheeky lyricism, the set was full of connecting to the crowd with simple jokes to comparing what was in the water versus Canada and the United States. As well as the age-old question of the proper pronunciation of Toronto.

Jordana not only exemplified diverse pop perfection with layered vocoders but was also complete with tambourine dances and violin solos by the singer-songwriter. As she ran through the entirety of the recent record in order, Jordana tossed in a Steely Dan cover “Any Major Dude Will Tell You.” The room defied typical head-bobbing “too-cool” Toronto audiences, fans lined the room; one of which stood out, dancing and singing amongst the entire set pressed against the stage.

While TV Girl wasn't present throughout the Lively Premonition tour, that didn't stop Jordana from performing the breakout tracks from their collaborative album, “Summer’s Over” as an almost jitterbug-dancey encore.

Jordana’s (hopefully) impending return to Toronto is welcomed with open arms, clear by the smiling faces flushed red from joy rather than the polar vortex that awaited the fans outside the venue.

Rachel Bobbit

Bryant Barnes

Emily May 2/21/25 Emily May 2/21/25

Ian Fisher @ Zanzabar - Louisville

February 12th, 2025 : Ian Fisher & Band, Anna Smyrk, and Ian Abel @ Zanzabar - Louisville, KY

Singer-songwriter Ian Fisher and his band brought his Go Gentle Album Release Tour to Louisville, KY on February 12th, performing many of the songs from his recently released album Go Gentle. The album is both heartbreaking and beautiful, a tribute to his mother who died of cancer in 2023, as well as a moving commentary on death and grief. Although the crowd was modest on this rainy and cold Wednesday evening, it made the experience that much more intimate for those in attendance. Singing many songs from the new album this evening, such as “In Her Hand”, “Mother Please Forgive Me”, and “Tigress”, Fisher’s voice was both gentle and powerful, with him visibly embodying a range of emotions as he sang these songs. Although the songs at times had a somber tone, they were powerful in the emotions and messages they conveyed and Fisher and his band had fun together on stage and with the crowd. They even played an encore song at the insistence of the crowd, with Fisher asking with a laugh if we wanted something upbeat or if we felt like crying. Opening the show this evening was Ian Abel, a Louisville native who now lives in Nashville, who wowed the crowd with his rock/country vibe and, with his band mate Jesse, performed a short but lively set of songs that included killer covers of Heart’s "Alone” and The Cranberries’s “Zombie”. Australian artist Anna Smyrk performed, as well, with this being her first time in Kentucky and the U.S.. She really impressed with her beautiful voice and songs and will hopefully tour here again soon! It was a fun evening of music!

Anna Smyrk

Ian Abel

Photo Ladies 2/12/25 Photo Ladies 2/12/25

070 Shake @ First Ave - Minneapolis

February 9th, 2025: 070 Shake, Johan Lenox, Bryant Barnes @ First Ave- Minneapolis, MN

070 Shake | Photos Courtesy of: Juliet Farmer

On a bitterly cold Super Bowl night in Minneapolis, I wasn’t sure what the crowd would be like at the First Ave Mainroom. Sure, 070 Shake and her opening acts (Bryant Barnes and Johan Lenox) have an impressive collective fan base—but given the circumstances, I feared their usual crowd might not venture out. At first, it seemed likely. The crowd was thin for Lenox’s act as he started the night with his melodic and heartfelt songs, occasionally waving his arms in conductor fashion to communicate with the two strings players that shared the stage. Despite the size of the audience, Minnesota pride was heard loud and clear as Johan announced that the players were both local artists. It is a testament to their talent that I had no idea they weren’t with him every night of the tour.

The crowd thickened ahead of Bryant Barnes, who came on stage to the screams of a few girls somewhere in the middle of the room. Seemingly unfazed, it didn’t take Barnes long to flow confidently into his act, a certified lover boy whose passion could be felt.

By the time 070 Shake came on stage, it was obvious that no Super Bowl would keep her true fans away. The room was packed, and the excitement was palpable. 070 Shake stoked those flames of excitement with her entrance, spending the entirety of her first song behind a curtain, allowing her hulking silhouette to make her presence known. By the time she joined us in the flesh, her fans were practically foaming at the mouth, elated by her arrival. Her cinematic and dreamy music filled the room easily, commanding attention as it enveloped the crowd. She had us in the palm of her hand, and it remained that way for the duration. You could almost forget that outside was a Minnesota winter.

Johan Lenox

Bryant Barnes

Carolyn Lederach 2/7/25 Carolyn Lederach 2/7/25

Hippo Campus @ The Met - Philadelphia

February 1st 2025: Hippo Campus, Petey @ The Met- Philadelphia, PA

Hippo Campus - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach

Petey

Carolyn Lederach 1/21/25 Carolyn Lederach 1/21/25

The Vaccines @ Union Transfer - Philadelphia

January 17th 2025: The Vaccines, Thus Love @ Union Transfer - Philadelphia, PA

The Vaccines - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach

The setlist balanced old fan favorites with fresh tracks from their latest album, proving The Vaccines’ ability to evolve while staying true to the sound that first made them indie rock darlings. The Vaccines hit the stage at Union Transfer on January 17th, bringing their signature blend of indie rock energy, catchy hooks, and infectious enthusiasm. With the venue packed and the anticipation growing, the British quartet delivered a performance as tight as it was electrifying.

_______________

Setlist

Love to Walk Away

Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)

I Can't Quit

Post Break-Up Sex

Wetsuit

Your Love Is My Favourite Band

Discount de Kooning (Last One Standing)

The Dreamer

Headphones Baby

Jump Off the Top