The opener for this breath-of-fresh-air concert was Alabama-born Kristy Lee. She was there with her drummer, Roy, from Louisiana. I think that Alabama accents were made to say the word Louisiana. Her steady, comforting drawl shared stories with us that would break into song. Seemingly seamless, her work is honest and evocative all while encouraging the crowd to sing along.
The venue was full and the night was filled with chatter from the fans as well as a band. As Emily Saliers said, it felt like a family. The first song was rocking, “It’s Alright.” Amy Ray and Emily’s voices sound like they were made to harmonize. They were joined onstage by Julliard-trained violinist Lyris Hung.
The Girls played some new songs, and left the crowd hoping for a new album, which would be their first since 2020. The song “Shame on You” hit hard with its line about police searching the car for “illegal immigrants” and the response of “I think we were on the same boat back in 1694.” The crowd was shouting the lyrics at that part of the song.
The playlist had older favorites like “Hammer and Nail” and “Become You,” as well as the always raucous “Get out the Map,” which had us on our feet. We were treated to a special song that isn’t often played live. Lyris and Emily left the stage and Amy sang Mark Knopfler’s “Romeo and Juliet” and I have to say, she owns this song now. The phrasing is perfect and Amy’s strong and soothing voice takes you right into the music.
For “Galileo,” everyone stood and sang together. What a beautiful thing to be in a safe, queer space. It’s so important that the community continues to show up and be present.
The song “Kid Fears” was splendid, and featured Kristy Lee singing Michael Stipe’s original call and response. Y’all. That was amazing.
They ended the night with “Closer to Fine,” which we all wish we were. | Melissa Cynova
