Photos and Review by Bethany Anna Packer
Concert Photos HERE
Back in 2010 I was flipping through the channels on looking for something to watch when I happened to stop on VH1 Diva’s Salute the Troops special. The lure of performances by some of music’s current most popular “Divas” such as Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Hayley Williams of Paramore had me hooked. Also on the bill for the night was a band I was unfamiliar with, named Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
Grace took the stage backed by her band to perform the groups then recent breakout hit “Paris (Ohh La La)”. As soon as the music started I’m pretty sure my jaw audibly hit the ground with a bang. The voice that came out of the silver sequined fringed powerhouse on the stage was nothing short of hypnotizing. I was instantly in love with her strong and sultry vocals backed by heavy guitars and funky back beats.
From then on I continued to follow Grace Potter and the Nocturnals over the next few years, and I didn’t find it as surprising as many fans when Grace recently made the decision to make the bold transition to solo artist.
As a photographer, Grace Potter has been on the top of my bucket list as a ‘must photograph’ since I began shooting music. I finally got my opportunity when her Magical Midnight Roadshow came through Connecticut and to the College Street Music Hall for their last show of 2015 in support of her solo album Midnight.
Nikon in hand my heart nearly beat out of my chest as the fierce banged blonde took the stage in a fringed glittered jacket and sequin dress. She opened the show with “Hot to the Touch” off of her newest album, and both her attire and her bluesy raspy vocals screamed modern day Janis Joplin.
Grace is an amazing chameleon. Moving from hands flying over ivory keys, to shredding killer guitar solos on her flying-V Gibson to arms waving in a hippie like sway to the music of her band.
She brilliantly mixed tracks from her new solo album with tracks from her time with the Nocturnals. Each song of the set seemed very different and better than the next, the change in lighting adding to the mood of each and every moment. Grace worked the crowd like a rock goddess possessed, and the fans hungrily devoured the show.
At the end of the set Grace put on an incredible 6 song encore, the last two of which were chest rattling covers of Gun’s and Roses “Paradise City” and “Sweet Child of Mine”.
I can honestly say in my opinion Grace Potter is the best performer, female vocalist, and artist I have seen in my lifetime. It’s not often that I have a super-fan moment, but I couldn’t help but shed a few legit tears of joy from behind my camera. Grace and artists like her are every reason that I do what I do. I cannot wait until the next tour, so much so that I may have to travel to catch another performance this winter.
Grace Potter at the College Street Music Hall – CT
