Words and Photos by Rebecca Ackerman
Capping off a stormy week in Chicago, Ashe brought the sunshine to Metro Chicago on May 6. This was the first of two nights she’d play here.
The Brook & The Bluff brought their Alabama charm to the Midwestern stage.Comprised of four band members, The Brook & The Bluff played various songs from their two most recent albums Yard Sale and First Place and a few singles they’ve released throughout the year.
One of my favorite moments of their set was how well they spotlighted each other. Instead of just focusing on their lead, there were multiple guitar solos. They got the crowd engaged by having them jump for the last song. They held up hand hearts at the end of their set and the crowd did the same.
For me, a concert isn’t just about the main act but everything that goes on from the moment I step in line at the venue which includes the songs played in-between sets and the way the crowd acts. The pre-show music included songs by One Direction and Taylor Swift, both excellent choices for the crowd who screamed along. By the time Ashe came on, everyone was ready and excited. It was one of the most fun crowds I’ve been part of, and the show hadn’t even started yet.
The stage was set with a lit arch, that at certain parts of the show would display images on it, and Ashe made her entrance as a shadow underneath it. Starting strong with ‘Me Without You,’ the lights shone on Ashe who was wearing a beautiful, flowy suit with yellow and pink flowers on it. Not to mention, she performed the entire night without shoes on.
Throughout the night, the front row reached out over the barricade to try and get as close as possible to her. Ashe, equally as excited to grab their hands, took several opportunities to reach her arms out into the front row and grab hold of them. They handed her signs, flowers, sunglasses, and hats. Each time, she gracefully accepted the gifts, and if they were wearable, she put them on.
She played through much of her most recent album Ashlyn, including songs ‘I’m Fine,’ ‘Kansas,’ ‘Save Myself,’ and ‘Not Mad Anymore.’ When she played ‘Another Man’s Jeans,’ she was handed a cowboy hat that she wore throughout the entire song. Following that song, Ashe sang a cover of Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love.’
Before she played ‘Always,’ she brought up how difficult the song is to play live, but the crowd cheered in support and all held up paper signs that said, “We’ll Love You Always.” As the song was ending, she hugged herself as if to give a hug to the entire crowd. There was an insane amount of love within that venue.
The first night in Chicago was a special night because this was the first time she played her new song, ‘Hope You’re Not Happy’ and livestreamed it out to her Instagram audience. The song had dropped the same day as the show! Not only was Chicago treated with the first live performance of her new song, she also played a new, unreleased song for the first time titled, ‘Angry Woman.’
It felt very surreal to be in that crowd. There was an overflow of love and support that was reciprocated right back to them from Ashe. I could feel that love the second Ashe appeared onstage with a giant smile on her face. She ended the night by playing ‘Moral of the Story’ on the piano, and before leaving the stage, she grabbed fans’ hands and walked back and forth sharing her gratitude.
From start to finish, this show exceeded my expectations. I wish I could relive it, and if you find yourself looking for a new show or new music to listen to, I can’t recommend Ashe enough.
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