On Sunday night, Minnesotans stormed the doors of The Palace Theatre in St. Paul to catch Faye Webster’s last stop on her US tour playing songs from her latest studio album “Underdressed at the Symphony.” While waiting in line, you could feel the excitement as fans eagerly got closer and closer to what many exclaimed was “their favorite artist right now.”
Benét
Opening the show was artist Benét, a rising artist who blended indie pop, r&b, and soul into their music. The crowd loved Benét, as they danced and jumped to the music throughout the set. The band filled the venue with richly layered instrumentals that created a dreamy but crisp atmosphere. Benét’s stage presence was a highlight of the performance, as they fostered a warm and engaging connection with the audience, leaving everyone smiling between songs. The music was sweet and powerful – I couldn’t think of a better way to pass the baton to Webster.
As the intermission lights began to dim, an unexpected surprise awaited the crowd: a minion – yes that’s right, a yellow minion from the Despicable Me franchise – dressed as Faye Webster sang in gibberish to the tune of one of her songs. The audience loved the goofy interlude, bursting into laughter, cheers and applause. As Webster walked across the stage, a dim blue light filled the venue, and the excitement in the room soared to new heights, creating an electric atmosphere that could be felt all the way to the ceiling.
Webster and her band’s mix of indie, folk, country and a touch of soul is such a cool thing to experience live – from the booming bass to the weeping pedal steel. Webster’s distinct singing style paired with the instrumentation, creating a laid-back and soothing vibe that allowed me to fully sink into her performance. Her ability to connect with the audience through heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies made the night unforgettable for many of her fans. Each song was delivered with a genuine emotion that could connect with any listener, creating a sense of musical intimacy. The dynamic range of the performance, from mellow and reflective to upbeat and energetic, kept the energy high and the crowd engaged throughout the night. The combination of her soulful voice and the band’s exceptional musicianship left the audience only wanting more – As the final notes lingered in the air, it was clear that Webster set out to make her performance a truly magical evening for her fans.
