Support act Kye graced the stage first and kept her set short and sweet. She sang a series of catchy love songs, not letting the small crowd size stop her from giving it her best. Smiling and dancing throughout her performance, there was a line of people at the front of the stage dancing along with her.
Anthony Young and the Next Man Dead fused elements of soul, R&B, jazz, rock and hip hop together to create a strong performance. Their songs had long instrumental solos in which lead singer Anthony Young explained to the crowd, “Yeah we really like to jam.” Young delivered a mix of sultry, soulful and hip hop vocals over the top of relaxed melodies, but also could bring it up a notch with powerful choruses.
Elsie And The Vibe, built up anticipation as three back-up singers in matching maroon dresses entered the stage first, singing soulful vocal melodies. Slowly the rest of the band came out, including a brass section adding to the song until finally Elsie herself walked on stage beaming with confidence and immediately showcasing her powerful voice.
Elsie played a series of groovy jazz tunes with her backup singers and band supporting her perfectly, never missing a beat – especially in set highlight Stop. She contrasted her set, diving between fast, pumping songs and slower, sensual ballads with ease.
The full room was abuzz with energy and chatter, but there came a point during her set where Elsie slowed things down and told a story about her song Naked – reflecting on feeling exposed as a singer, putting her personal feelings into songs and the authenticity that goes along with it. Her band had left the stage at this point, it was just Elsie alone with her piano player. She silenced the room, pouring her heart and soul into the piece and the connection she made with the audience could be felt intensely around the room. As she finished, the silence lingered for a moment before the crowd broke into applause.
The last song of the night, her catchy hit Riverside, was the perfect finale. A choir had taken their position in front of the stage, adding another layer of beauty to an already beautiful song. The song ended after an acapella section and one last run from the band. She thanked the crowd, thanked her band, and bowed.
Highlight: The beautiful moment that took place when Elsie performed Naked.
Lowlight: Audience members talking loudly throughout each set.
Crowd Favourite: Naked.
