Concert review: Neal Francis | 04.10.25, Atomic Pavilion (with photo gallery)

Photo of Neal Francis by Laura Jerele

Neal Francis opened up the concert series for the Atomic Pavilion in The Grove in grand and truly groovy style this past Thursday. Perfectly lit with city light, stars that wish they could be seen, and a hefty dose of weed smoke as only Saint Louis city can provide, a huge crowd came out to welcome Francis.

Wasting no time beckoning the crowd to get closer to the stage before he even stepped foot on it, everyone inched closer just as he settled behind the keyboard. Francis is uniquely talented with a penchant for heavy groove that feels as much yesterday as it does today. His set began with “Say Your Prayers” and then slid right into “Problems,” which set a tone of killer jam sesh meets R&B—kinda psychedelic, kinda indie, kinda dance party. I don’t know how else to describe it because we all danced and swayed regardless of the flavor he played. His vocals are so rich and clean and he’s obviously a master of the keys, bouncing between two sets all night.

Francis played a setlist comprised of about fifteen or so songs, ending the night with “Prometheus” and “150 More Times.” The crowd got bigger as the night went on, not sure if this city venue pulls in locals as they hear music wafting towards their homes that they feel compelled to see in person. Regardless, this venue is completely unique and is a super fabulous place to see a show. The stage is huge considering it sits at a city corner! Well done Neal Francis and Atomic—this was a stellar way to open your concert season! | Laura Jerele