I don’t really make New Year’s resolutions, mostly because I don’t think that dates on a calendar should dictate a person’s goals. But one unofficial resolution I have for myself is to go to more concerts.
I love going to concerts.
I love going to small, mysterious venues. I love discovering new bands and artists to see live. I love the satisfaction of going to a great shows for little money. I love the lights, and the crowds and the way the music feels in your bones. I even love the smell, if you can believe it. That musty scent of sweat and cigarette smoke brings back so many sweet memories.
Last week, I was lucky enough to see Hayley Kiyoko live at the Great American Music Hall on a Tuesday night. Kiyoko is an electronic pop artist who recently gained popularity after her breakout single and music video for Girls like Girls. She also played a major role in the Disney Channel Original movie, Lemonade Mouth. She played the rebellious guitar player, Stella.
I would recommend listening to Kiyoko to anyone who is a fan of Halsey or Passion Pit or musicians of that nature.
First of all, the tickets were only $15 for the two acts, Kiyoko and the opening band, flor. A word of advice on buying concert tickets- always search from the venues website. When looking on StubHub or Ticketmaster, the tickets were way more expensive.
The Great American Music Hall is a treasure buried in the less attractive streets of San Francisco. It lays in the heart of the Tender Loins, an area which can get a bit rough at night. The venue is neighbored directly next to a sucpicious looking strip club. But don’t let any of this make you think poorly of the place!
The venue itself is beautiful. The ceiling alone is so detailed with crown molding and antique light fixtures that it is easy to stare in amazement as the crowd fills in around you. The other thing I love about the Great American Music Hall is that anywhere you stand, you are guaranteed a wonderful view. The venue is smaller than most, but still pretty spacious and there is even a balcony that wraps around the entire room.
I had never heard of the first band, flor, but they were surprisingly good. The lights came up slowly as they walked on stage and the crowd cheered, excited that the show had finally started. Their music was pop influenced but still had some incredible guitar riffs. The band did a good job of getting the audience involved and keeping the energy up. They even had a few fans of their own, and I could see why. The stage was really dark but there were some extremely bright lights pointed at the faces of the audience, blinding us all. By the end of flor’s set, people were dancing and singing, already having a great night.
We waited for what seemed like an eternity until the lights finally dimmed and the room filled with noise. First her band came out and began playing one of her newest singles, One Bad Night. Then Kiyoko herself entered the stage and people were going insane. The room flooded with purple and blue light and she went right into singing. Kiyoko put on an amazing show. She was so kind and soft and extremely grateful which I think is an important part of being a good performer. Kiyoko mostly sang and danced, breaking out some quality moves.
Kiyoko also took time to talk to us and tell stories about each song. She wanted to appreciate the time we had together and the beautiful city we lived in. She ended it with an encore and by waving the rainbow pride flag across the stage. It was a beautiful sight and a loving energy that warmed my soul for the rest of the night.
Seeing a band live is such a different experience than listening to their recording. Sometimes it can be a completely different sound. It is so much more immersive and fulfilling of a music experience.
If you ever see that your favorite musician is coming to town, I would greatly encourage you to go to see them if that is within your means. You won’t regret it!
Photo Credits: Beatrice Lindemuth