Cassadee Pope Acoustic Tour Review
When an artist decides to go solo, there is always a bit of uncertainty. Earlier in the week when I chatted with Cassadee about her tour she was unsure what would happen, who would show up, and how it would all play out. Sunday night she rolled into Scottsdale, AZ for show number three at one of my personal favorite venues, Martini Ranch. Although previous nights of the tour may have sold more tickets, all the bands turned Sunday into an intimate acoustic show that no one will forget.
The show kicked off with local band, The Alchemy Heart. I heard the band soundcheck prior to the show and knew they would be good, and having never heard of them before the show, I was impressed. They played a short 20 minute set that reminded me of a cross between The Black Keys, The Temper Trap and Civil Twilight. Their musicality was impressive and created for a great start to the show.
Slowly, the venue filled to the 30 or 40 people that would wind up there that night as Darling Parade hit the stage. They were one of the only bands to use drums and a full ‘band’ sound, but it was a great pick-me-up and energy boost to carry through the rest of the show. After hearing their story as a band prior to the concert and spending some time with them, I loved their music even more. They played for a typical 30 minute set and even though they lacked sleep, their energy was up to par and it made for a great set.
Next on stage was Justin Young. If the name sounds familiar it’s because he plays guitar with Colbie Caillat when he isn’t working on his own music. Innocent standing on stage with a guitar and a laptop for some extra beats, Justin’s perfect voice filled the room for the next 35 minutes. He played a variety of songs, but his special voice carried the set through. So he could have some music for sale, he recorded some ‘EPs’ on his computer and had them for sale in the under appreciated white envelope. I enjoyed his set mainly because his voice was so pure and honest.
Rounding out the openers was Stephen Jerzak. Also taking the stage completely solo, Stephen let the audience shout out personal requests which he tried his best to go along with. Although the crowd was small, most sang along to all of his songs and filled the room with sound. Everyone was interacting and even throwing out the occasional question. It was one of the experiences you only get if the concert is small. He played a decent set and then left the stage inviting fans to come and say hi to him after.
Finally at around 9pm, Cassadee took to the stage with three other guys playing backup. Her voice was beautiful and the path as a solo artist is definitely one I can see working out. She sang some Hey Monday favorites as well as some new songs she wanted feedback on. She also called up Justin to play ‘Lunatic’ with her, which is one of my favorite new songs. A special moment was when a fan asked to sing a song with her and actually got to go up on stage and sing the song. Both girls had amazing voices and it was another of the special moments that you only get when the concert is as small as it was. She seemed genuinely happy up on stage singing her heart out to fan requests and songs she had planned on playing.
All in all, the acoustic setting was something I enjoyed and wish more people had the opportunity of seeing. If she is coming to your town I would highly suggest making it a point to head to the show. It is a special concert that you may never see set up the same way again.
