Photos by Vito Ingerto
Maggie Rogers’ live show at the Target Center in Minneapolis was an unforgettable experience, showcasing her unique blend of raw emotion and electrifying stage presence.
Kicking off the night was singer-songwriter Ryan Beatty. Each melody lurring the crowd in to settle in to his soft ballads, his voice was crisp and inviting and a perfect addition to Maggie Roger’s Don’t Forget Me tour. Each lyric full of emotion and so intentional with his influxions. Eventually, Ryan picks up the pace and starts to warm up to the stage. Fans seemed to be really attentive and enjoying discovering such a hidden gem of a talent.
From the moment Maggie stepped on stage, the energy was palpable, with the audience eagerly singing along to her hit single off of her recent album, “That’s Where I Am”, featuring some cool, elusive graphics and a dramatic opera singer entrance. Coming out wearing a giant glitter overcoat, she slowly slips it off to reveal a very Stevie Nicks inspired outfit.
Maggie immediately sets the tone for the evening by keeping the energy high, engaging with the whole stage and getting the vibe elevated with her soul-stirring performances. She’s clearly grooving out and really enjoying herself having a great time on stage. “It’s a Friday night!” she exclaims and her energy is great. Te audience is matching her and jiving to each song.
Her voice, both haunting and uplifting, filled the arena, captivating everyone in the Target Center. The combination of her dynamic vocal range and ability and heartfelt lyrics created this amazing intimate atmosphere, even in such a large venue. As the set list went on, she transitioned to another single off of her new album that seemed to be a crowd favorite- ‘so sick of dreaming.’ She slings on her guitar and does what she does best- charms the crowd with her magentic sheryl crow, feminine girl power energy.
The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites and tracks from her latest album, seamlessly transitioning between upbeat anthems like “Light On” and more introspective, reflective songs that showcased her storytelling abilities. Each performance felt personal and tailored, as she shared insights and anecdotes that connected her to Minneapolis. A few times, she even changed the words in songs to be Minnesota themed!
There was a section in the show where she slows the evening down, taking a moment to tell the audience a story of the last time she came to town. Previously having played at First Avenue, she reflects fondly on how that was the evening her big performance on Saturday Night Live, and asking the ghost of Prince to bless her performance. Seamlessly, she transitioned into a cover of “I Would Die For You.” You can tell each note she’s singing is intentional and from the heart .
Visually, the show was stunning, with striking lighting and visuals that enhanced the overall experience. The production was thoughtfully designed, complementing her music without overshadowing it.
Throughout the night, Rogers’ authenticity shone through. She engaged with the crowd, encouraging sing-alongs and expressing genuine gratitude for the support. It was clear that this wasn’t just a performance for her; it was a shared experience with her fans.
If you have the chance to see her live, don’t miss it—it’s an experience that lingers long with you. She has really come into herself as a performer and rightfully earned that spot in the arena.
