LOS ANGELES, CA- Leith Ross’s recent performance at The Ford in Los Angeles was profoundly moving. Concluding their tour in this setting felt perfectly tailored to Ross’s unique style. The venue’s quiet, natural beauty, with its open-air amphitheater nestled into the hillside, provided an intimate and organic backdrop to the deeply personal songs Ross shared with the crowd. Known for their poetic, introspective lyrics and emotive voice, Ross has captivated audiences since their debut EP, *Motherwell*, recorded while they studied at Humber College. This evening’s concert highlighted their growth, showcasing a journey that began in a small studio and found its way to one of Los Angeles’s most charming venues.
Surrounded by trees and a rock wall behind the stage softly illuminated by shifting lights, The Ford exudes an aura of quiet grandeur, a place where the boundary between artist and audience feels just a little bit thinner. The natural landscape blended seamlessly with the lighting, which changed throughout the night to suit the mood of each song, reinforcing Ross’s emotional connection to their music, the audience, and the space. The Ford’s mix of urban and natural elements perfectly complemented the atmosphere, bringing a sense of warmth and closeness that emphasized the evening’s introspective and honest tone.
The seating arrangement on stage added to this intimacy. Ross and their bandmates sat in a semicircle of deep red chairs, making it feel as if we were gathered around to share stories. There was an unspoken invitation to experience each song deeply, and the unique staging at The Ford reinforced the sense that we were part of something personal and immediate.
Ross began their set with a slight hiccup—feedback interrupted the opening track, a sudden burst of sound breaking the mood. But with endearing humor, they turned it into a laughable moment, joking, “When you try to come out being all mysterious by not saying anything, but the sound had other ideas.” This self-awareness and quick wit put the audience at ease.
Throughout the night, Ross played every song from their latest album, “To Learn More”, with poetic verses complemented by deeply expressive choruses. Tracks like “I Just Don’t Think That You Like Me That Much Anymore” and “To Me” reflected Ross’s ability to capture universal feelings of longing and heartbreak, imbuing each lyric with a raw, personal vulnerability. The Ford’s acoustics added an almost reverent quality to the music, with Ross’s voice floating clearly over the crowd. During “Ask First,” the lighting and music worked in tandem, with Ross lit in blue as they sang, “you something blue”—a subtle but powerful touch.
Throughout the night, Ross opened up to the crowd, answering questions submitted by fans. These ranged from lighthearted (“Jacob or Edward?”) to reflective inquiries about moments from Ross’s childhood that inspired their music. The Q&A segments allowed Ross’s personality to shine, drawing laughs, cheers, and a genuine sense of connection from the crowd. This interactive approach felt like a conversation between artist and audience.
In a playful moment, Ross introduced a track from their upcoming album, sharing that they’ve been working on it with their collaborator Rostam Batmanglij, who joined them onstage for a few new songs. Rostam, known for his work with artists like Vampire Weekend, The Walkmen, and Charli XCX, added a layer of excitement as the audience responded with whispers and applause, thrilled to be witnessing Ross’s new direction.
The set was filled with memorable highlights, including the beautiful song “Music Box,” which Ross began with intricate fingerpicking. Everyone in the amphitheater seemed to hold their breath during this performance, as Ross’s soft voice and delicate guitar playing captivated the audience. It was a moment that encapsulated the night—a quiet intensity, vulnerability, and honesty that felt almost sacred in the amphitheater’s serene surroundings.
To close out the night, Ross performed “Everything Ends,” with the lighting slowly dimming to a single spotlight before fading completely as the final note played. It was a powerful, cinematic ending that reinforced the evening’s theme of closure and new beginnings. Ross took a moment to express gratitude, sharing that this might be the last crowd to hear this song live as they move into a new phase of their career. “I wanna see your body in a ditch,” they added with a hint of humor, closing the set with both sentiment and spirit, leaving the crowd with one last laugh.
As the concert came to an end, it was clear that The Ford had provided the perfect setting for Ross’s introspective, soul-baring performance. The venue’s open-air design and natural setting allowed the audience to feel closer to the artist, making the entire experience deeply personal. From the heartfelt Q&A to the carefully curated lighting and staging, every element of the evening came together to celebrate Ross’s artistry and vulnerability. Ross’s performance was not only a celebration of their latest album but also a testament to their journey as an artist—a fitting conclusion to this chapter and an exciting hint of what’s to come.
Follow Leith Ross on Facebook and Instagram.
*********************
LIVE CLIPS
