Lizzy McAlpine: It Didn’t Look Like This Three Years Ago

Lizzy McAlpine released her first two records during the COVID-19 pandemic, and so her musical career began in a strange, detached way, one distanced from the energy and connection of live music. Thursday’s show at the Phoenix Concert Theatre was part of her first ever headliner tour, and as such, the first time most of her songs had been played in a live setting. While that alone was cool enough, what was cooler was seeing her dreams come to life before you. With this show, you could feel everything coming together; you could feel the moment build around you. Her fans were very much real and in large numbers. The crowd sang EVERY. SINGLE. word. And sang it well. It felt as though you were part of this big musical collective - this unitary dream and energy coming to life. I don’t think there was a single causal fan there, or if there was, they couldn’t possibly be anymore.

Lizzy McAlpine rocked. There’s really no other way to put it. She only had 3 band members including herself, but managed to put on an incredibly lively, multi-dimensional show. There was a track playing with them, but they brought it to life; they made it real. The whole band put on flawless performances that complimented the music in the most tasteful ways possible.

When all was said and done she finished with a tremendous applause that just wouldn’t stop. You could see the visceral joy on her face, taking it all in, as it became real before her.

That’s not to say Lizzy was the only star of the night though. Carol Ades opened the show, and her vibrant and charismatic personality quickly charmed the crowd. Her performances were excellent, as she spoke about the inspiration of her songs (sadness and the female experience mainly), saying how much she loves and appreciates her sadness; a sentiment rather unheard, but deeply refreshing.