Photos and Review by Sarah Smith
Show photos HERE
The State Theatre was filled top to bottom with eager, excited fans arriving for Vance Joy’s sold out show on a chilly February evening. Portland went crazy that night as a young, handsome James Keough set stage. Stage lights illuminated his warm, captivating smile as he picked up a guitar and reached for the mic. Joy was accompanied by a full band; a range of instruments that filled the house with harmony and great spirits. The band opened with This Mess is Mine, and just like any sucker for bait the crowd was captured immediately and reeled in.
There was a small, dedicated handful of girls that camped their way directly in front of the stage. Screaming and swooning over his performance as they shook their handmade posters which plastered his lyrics and an abundance of sharpie hearts. Joy interacted with them flirtatiously in between songs, and they soaked up every second in a pure bliss. He alternated between acoustic guitar and a ukulele and his music was filled with devastatingly beautiful chords and lyrics. Anyone with a love for the alternative indie genre was feeling his words and melodies.
Joy switched back to the ukulele that evening as he spoke softly to the crowd, and then finally introduced Riptide. Everyone in the house went crazy as the intro of ukulele chords began to open up. Every single soul was singing their hearts out, it was immediately infectious. Hands swayed in the air as tears rolled down cheeks. Young couples locked eyes and created their own dancing space, kissing as if they were completely invisible to those around them. Cheering filled the air as the song finished and Joy made his way towards the end of the set. Closing with another classic, Fire and the Flood, the crowd felt so sad to say goodbye to him, but made every effort to make each minute last. Vance Joy is a must see show, it will calm you and make you feel a little more alive than when you walked into the venue. You will allow Joy’s energy to follow you home and be the first thing you feel as you wake the next morning and carry with you as time goes by.
Vance Joy at the State Theatre – Portland, ME
