LOS ANGELES, CA- Last Saturday night in Los Angeles was a special evening at the Greek Theatre, hosting Lake Street Dive with their timeless mix of jazz, R&B, and soul. Supported by Celisse, a powerful R&B/Soul artist with phenomenal guitar skills, it was a night those in attendance won’t soon forget. The night was full of memorable moments: Rachael in the pit with fans, musicians swapping instruments mid-song, and fans swinging and singing along to their favorite songs.
Lake Street Dive is currently in the midst of their extensive “Good Together Tour,” in support of their latest album of the same name, which spans across North America and includes notable venues like the Greek Theatre in Berkeley and Madison Square Garden. This tour is their biggest yet and will run through October 2024.
The critics have been buzzing about the new album, “Good Together,” noting its dynamic blend of feel-good music and emotional depth. The album is praised for its catchy songs and high-energy performances that uplift listeners, even when tackling personal struggles. Critics from Americana Highways particularly enjoyed the ballads like “Twenty-Five,” which showcase Rachael Price’s ability to convey genuine emotion, and the upbeat title track that sets a positive tone for the album. Tinnitist highlighted the band’s genre-bending mastery, blending pop, soul, jazz, and folk into a unique sound that captivates fans worldwide.
I had the fortune of attending the show, and it was a showcase of remarkable talent. From the opener to the main act, every musician was on point. The opener, Celisse, was full of life from the moment she stepped onto the stage. Wearing mirrored glasses, we could see the promise of an electrifying night through her. Our future was filled with shredding guitar solos and electric dancing.
Celisse and her band were so lively. She broke out into impressive guitar solos on her signature blue guitar, captivating the audience and maintaining high energy throughout the performance. One particularly intense solo had my arms covered in goosebumps. The musicians’ enjoyment was evident, especially when Celisse joined her drummer, taking over one of his sticks to play the snare while strumming her guitar. Their smiles and laughter were contagious, spurring a fan behind me to yell, “Get it, girl!”
After thanking the fans for their support, Celisse left the stage, leaving us eagerly anticipating Lake Street Dive. Lake Street Dive took the stage to raucous applause and cheers. Adorned in a dress of reflective pieces that made her look like a disco ball, Rachael was hit with a spotlight that lit up the entire amphitheater. It was clear that Lake Street Dive would hold our attention all night.
And it was indeed a special evening. Several times, we saw stolen glances and smiles between the band members, like they were sharing an inside joke. They invited us into their world, sharing stories behind the songs and moments between them. Michael, on drums, highlighted a moment of gratitude and respect for his fellow band member Akie, emphasizing their close bond. Rachael shared the backstory of a song written in Waffle House.
There were many similarities between the opener and the main act—energy, enjoyment, and superb musicianship. But my favorite thing was Rachael and Celisse’s dancing. Rachael, in particular, moved around the stage constantly, enjoying every moment just like many of us in the crowd. Towards the end of the evening, singing their famous song “Dance With a Stranger,” Rachael jumped into the crowd and danced with a stranger herself. It was a beautiful moment that perfectly capped off the evening.
Celisse and Lake Street Dive put on a hell of a show. From the dancing and electric performances to the lively fans, Saturday at the Greek was a memorable evening. It was the latest stop on Lake Street Dive’s “Good Together” tour, with more stops throughout the United States, including a headlining debut at Madison Square Garden. Be sure to catch one of their upcoming concerts for an evening you won’t easily forget.
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