Category: Reviews

To quote Isabel ‘Belly’ Conklin from the Amazon TV show The Summer I Turned Pretty, “Last summer felt like a dream.” Or in this case, “August 13, 2024 felt like a dream.” 

Not just for me, but for the fans who were anxiously and excitedly waiting to see Joshua Bassett at The Fillmore in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s not Joshua’s first time in the city as he performed at The Underground last year on his Complicated tour. As per usual, Joshua never disappoints when it comes to his performances. He returned to the city where it was not only a night about fun and excitement on his tour The Golden Years but also about peace and forgiveness. Though Bassett returned to Charlotte with a different theme and mood of his performance, he still brought joy, happiness, and passion to his music. 

Opening for Bassett was the energetic Thomas Day, who was also a contestant on Season 15 of America’s Got Talent. Appearing on stage before us like lightning, Day performed his heart out. After seeing how incredibly talented he was, I can honestly wholeheartedly say,  Thomas Day will definitely be an artist that I will be adding to my playlists on Spotify!

About a few minutes later, Bassett appeared beaming with so much energy as he sweetly greeted fans throughout his entire performance. With his songs like “The Golden Years,” “Secret,” “Biting My Tongue,” “Life Line,” “She Said He Said She Said,” and more, every fan was either dancing or singing his lyrics back to him. Throughout his set, he even made a few small trips around the venue, greeting and meeting his fans. Another highlight of the night included Basset even bringing back Thomas Day to the stage to sing a cover of a Beatles song, “Yesterday.“

Bassett and his fans took turns in teaching each other something new. Though he gave us insight into his life, struggles, and life advice, at one instance and in return, his fans gave him dance lessons. While performing “Circles,” two fans taught him line dancing, which he happily partook in. 

Bassett was even transparent with his fans of his struggles. A common theme I have noticed in his performances and in his music is reflection, typically healing, being grateful for certain lifelines in our lives, and surrounding yourself with amazing people. Though these are certainly great lessons for us to learn, he even threw in another one: forgiveness, and how it is always important to learn from our past mistakes and perhaps our golden years, and continue to move forward. 

Overall, it was a night that I nor the fans will never forget. I especially enjoy how open and honest Bassett always is about his struggles as a means to reassure his fans that they are not alone. His songs and performances always seem to give them comfort and a safe place, myself included. I hope to look forward to more animated performances by Bassett the next time he comes back to the Queen City! 

The Golden Years Album Review: 

Since it has his album release, even on the car rides home, I continuously listened to The Golden Years. The album was released on July 26, a few days before Bassett kicked off his headlining tour with the same name. At first I somewhat struggled to find the words to describe this album, but now I definitely found them: Emotionally mature, honest, relief, and reflection. 

Since its release I could not help but wonder: where was this album when I needed it most?  

Bassett reflects on the past few years of his life, the good, the bad, the happy, the sad. In the album, he not only reflects on the golden years of his life but also on certain heartbreak, with some regret, which is something that I know most of us do. He even channels the roller coaster being fine one minute, but not fine the next. Through song, he exemplifies what healing is like realistically. 

In the past, Bassett has been open and honest with his fans with his struggles, and always finding the good in every situation. Though he channels his feelings and honesty into song, notably past songs like “different” and “would you love me now,” the songs on The Golden Years now constructs those feelings and creates such a heartfelt and honest album. It is an album that I believe most people can either relate to or even find solace in.   

Overall, The Golden Years not only reflects on the highs and lows of the past few years of Bassett’s life but also his achievements and his personal growth as an artist and as a person. 

The album presents itself with such emotional maturity, a deep sigh of relief, letting go, and looking forward to what’s to come. 

Charlotte was transported back to the 1950s as Stephen Sanchez took the stage at The Underground on one of his last nights of The Troubadour tour. Fans were excited to see Sanchez perform live and went all out. Most fans arrived in style as they attended the show in vintage, classic ’50s-style clothing. After much anticipation, the audience was suddenly part of an epic yet tragic love story when Sanchez appeared on stage, narrating the love affair between songs. 

The performance was filled with excitement and all things the ’50s as Sanchez started his set soft and angelic with “Something About Her,” which became upbeat as he performed “Evangeline” and “I Need You Most of All.” Throughout the night, the stage overflowed with electrifying talent and added to the love story Sanchez was telling as he performed songs off of his album Angel Face. Along with his melodious voice, he showcased even more of his talents by breaking out his guitar on multiple occasions and intensely played the piano – one instance was while performing “Shake” alongside his bandmates. Aside from the concert itself and along with the narration of the love story, the performance even included a few humorous and lighthearted side conversations between fans and Sanchez himself.

Sanchez was also no stranger to the classics. Amid his performance, he whisked his attention towards his female fans, asking the audience, “Where are all my pretty women at,” as he performed a thrilling cover of Rob Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” dedicating the song to them. As a woman myself, I was completely touched by the gesture. 

In light of the holiday season, Sanchez even performed a snippet of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans’s “Silver Bells.” In addition to singing a couple of covers, Sanchez even performed a heartfelt tribute to Priscilla Presley, the wife of the late King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. He shared with the audience that she had seen them perform, and in dedication to Presley, he sang a cover of “Unchained Melody” in the most heartfelt performance I have ever seen from any artist I had ever reviewed. His cover of this romantic song personally made me love this man and his voice even more. 

Sanchez concluded the concert not only by thanking his fans on one of his last nights on tour but also by ending the night with “Until I Found You,” the dreamy and romantic song that captivated fans throughout TikTok and can be heard on the last episode of season 2 of Ginny and Georgia.

Overall, it was a pleasure to be a part of the love affair that Sanchez narrated and to see the troubadour in action, performing and bringing back the music and vibe of the 1950s, even if it was just for one night only. 

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness performed a truly unique concert experience at the House of Blues in Cleveland Ohio on Saturday December 2^nd for his New Friends tour. Andrew McMahon, formerly of the band Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin, began releasing music under Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness back in 2014 and has continued releasing incredible music.

McMahon delivered a phenomenal high-energy show from start to finish. This dynamic set had multiple guests onstage, frequent visits to the crowd, and even featured a fan onstage for the song “Highdive.” The show was complete with stunning camping visuals, a kooky park ranger, shadow puppets, marshmallows, and last but not least – a crowdsurfing llama. A major highlight of the show was when McMahon invited members from Wildermiss and Michigander onstage for a performance of “New Friends” all while tossing marshmallows to the crowd. If Andrew McMahon and his llama are set to crowdsurf through your town, don’t miss out. Check out the gallery below for photos from the show.

Shakey Graves’ live performance at Roadrunner in Boston was nothing short of a sonic revelation, an electrifying journey through the soulful intersection of folk, blues, and rock. The venue pulsed with energy as Shakey Graves. His raw, gravelly vocals soared through the air, weaving tales of heartbreak, resilience, and wanderlust. Backed by a phenomenal band, the performance was at once an intimate affair with a genuine rock vibe.

Shakey Graves was poignant and sincere while playing but in between songs he joked and related to the crowd. He alerted the venue that there was a theme for the night and then midset asked if the crowd had guessed the theme. People tossed out guesses, but the game ended when someone from the audience yelled out, “David Lee Roth.” Shakey Graves laughed and agreed leaving us to wonder whether or not that was the actual theme. All this to say, he has a dynamic stage presence and genuine charisma showcasing himself as a captivating storyteller, effortlessly inviting the crowd into his musical world.

The concert was a masterclass in genre-blurring brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to witness this spellbinding performance.

Coco Jones not only knows how to put on an amazing performance on-screen, but also dazzled her audience at her sold out show at the Underground in Charlotte, North Carolina on the second leg of her first headlining tour named What I Didn’t Tell You. 

Jones’ supporting act Haben gave a heavenly and melodious performance and the audience a glimpse into her new music, and then Ebony Riley gave a soulful and upbeat performance and was not afraid of sharing with the audience of her life experiences. Riley had also made inspiring and thoughtful dedication to her foster parents, who were present during her performance, through her song “Save Me.”

As Jones took the stage, the audience, who were with her through her Disney days and/or new music career, were ecstatic to see her perform. Talent and beauty radiated the stage as Jones performed music from her album What I Didn’t Tell You, such as “ICU,” “Double Back,” and “Caliber.”  At one point of the show, despite what seemed to be slight technical difficulty on stage, Jones continued the show by singing a capella to the audience, including some of her earlier music such as “Holla at the DJ.” 

Overall, the show was everything I personally expected it to be: to see such talented artists grow through their music as they continue to navigate their way through their careers. For Haben and Ebony Riley to give such beautiful and vulnerable and soulful performances was inspiring as they continue to express their experiences through song. For Coco Jones, it was nostalgic, yet amazing to see her grow from a teenager on Disney Channel to a young woman touring on her first headlining show. 

Suki Waterhouse, with her talented openers, Danielle Durack and Carol Ades, performed at The Amp Ballantyne in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 6th. All three of the singers put on an unforgettable set showcasing their individual talent.

First Danielle Durack took the stage with her acoustic guitar. With her beautiful voice she connected with the audience winning the hearts of the crowd. Next, it was Carol Ades, who with her playful energy and emotional music, made for a fun and yet heartfelt set.

Then it was time for Suki Waterhouse to grace the crowd with her presence as she headlined the show. She came out in a sparkly jumpsuit and it felt as if she was glistening among the stars in the sky that night. Her performance was full of passion as she danced around on stage, flipping her hair, singing, putting on a fantastic show. It was a magical night full of empowering female artists. It was evident that all three of the performers really love what they do and enjoy perfecting their craft. The audience left the show on a high after attending a concert that was worthy of being remembered.

Photos and article by Sarah Sturgis.