The Marias @ The Salt Shed - Chicago
August 13th, 2024: The Marias, Automatic @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
The Marias | Photos Courtesy of: Emily Nava
On Tuesday, August 13th 2024, The MarÃas brought their Submarine Tour to a sold-out Salt Shed Chicago with the opening act Automatic. This tour follows the recent release of The MarÃas' second full-length album Submarine. The MarÃas is a project led by MarÃa Zardoya (vocals) with members Josh Conway (drums), Jesse Perlman (guitar) and Edward James (keys).
Los Angeles-based rock trio Automatic opened the show. Their music was a rock/synth pop mixture, which paired well with The MarÃas.
At approximately 8 pm, The MarÃas took the stage, with MarÃa appearing as a silhouette behind the band, then emerging forward while singing "Hamptons". At first listen, one may think that The MarÃas' airy, dreamy sound is more soft and the show may have a more mellow vibe. Still, with screams, jumping, and singing along to every song, the crowd appeared completely engaged, entranced, and energized with The MarÃas' performance. The band performed almost the entirety of Submarine, as well as songs from their previous releases CINEMA and Superclean Vol. I and II. Throughout the night, MarÃa expressed gratitude for fans and even mentioned how their song "Heavy" now lived permanently on the setlist due to popular demand, noting that a fan made a change.org petition for them to play it. The connection between The MarÃas and their fanbase was also demonstrated by how wild the crowd went when MarÃa stepped down and performed along the barricade during the band's collaboration song with Bad Bunny "Otro Atardecer".
The production of this tour overall was incredible to witness. The way silhouettes came into play throughout the show complemented the story and feel of Submarine so well. For the encore song, "If Only", MarÃa appeared on stage in a full bathtub, which was one of the most unique encores I have ever seen. I'm sure I'm not alone in this when I say, The MarÃas know how to put on a great and unforgettable performance. Do not miss the Submarine Tour!
Automatic
The Beths @ The Salt Shed - Chicago
August 24th, 2023: The Beths, Beach Bunny @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
The Beths - Photos Courtesy of: Timi Ikene
Beach Bunny's Lili Trifilio invited a stacked lineup to her Pool Party on Thursday, August 24th, which included New Zealand Natives The Beths! With their quintessential indie sound, The Beths dazzled and swooned the audience with their tunes. Having played the Salt Shed venue just a year prior with Courtney Barnett, the crowd was no stranger to The Beths, and sang "I'd Die a Little Death" and my personal favorite, "I'm Not Getting Excited" (which I did indeed get very excited for) with soul.
Next to the blow-up pool floatie-covered stage was Beach Bunny, the headlining act. Hailing from right here in Chicago, she created an atmosphere of peace and love right out the bat, playing her popular hits like the irreverent "Prom Queen" and "Pain Killer" to a crowd that has been following her since her DIY show days.
Beach Bunny
MUNA @ The Salt Shed - Chicago
May 16th 2023: Muna, Nova Twins @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
MUNA - Photos Courtesy of Emily Nava
On Tuesday, May 16th, 2023, MUNA brought their Life's So Fun tour to a sold out Salt Shed in Chicago, IL. Fans eagerly awaited MUNA to take the stage and were engaged from the beginning of the show, starting with UK-based opening act Nova Twins—who brought a lively rock and roll edge to their set. Unfortunately, once MUNA took the stage, the show was stopped by a medical emergency in the crowd, but MUNA restarted their performance after ensuring everyone's safety. In between songs, the band expressed gratitude towards their crew and fans, and even dedicated their song "Kind of Girl" to the transgender community. Throughout the night, MUNA performed songs from all three of their albums, as well as their newest song "One That Got Away". From beginning to end, the crowd was incredibly receptive to MUNA's music and message. This was made most apparent by the crowd's nonstop singing along and dancing but what was most moving was the way everyone in the room jumped up and down to the chorus of "I Know A Place" —one of MUNA's most popular songs and an anthem for the safety of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their headlining tour in the U.S. has ended but MUNA will continue to play shows across the country in June and July, opening for Taylor Swift, before heading to Europe/UK in August.
Nova Twins
Courtney Barnett & Friends @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
August 16th 2022: Courtney Barnett, Alvvays @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
Courtney Barnett - Photos Courtesy of Timi Ikene
The crowd sang along loudly to Courtney Barnett's lyrical prose, and she matched the energy. Hailing from Australia, Barnett put on an electrifying show last night at Chicago's newest outdoor venue, The Salt Shed, and moved the crowd with her music. This stop on her Here and There Festival also brought along indie rock band Alvvays. Their soft indie rock was well received. I'll be catching both artists the next time they're in Chicago!
ALVVAYS
