CLOSING NIGHT OF MATT MAESON’s thats my cue tour

BY NIKKI WONG (SHE/HER)

The closing night of the US leg of Matt Maeson’s That’s My Cue tour, was something to be remembered. This entirely solo set was a masterclass and exemplifies the best of what this Virginian singer-songwriter can offer. Not many artists can carry the weight of a genuinely solo show. With no crutches or backing tracks to hide behind, you experience music in its rawest form. It ultimately felt like an intimate experience despite sharing the room with nearly a thousand others. There was no flashy backdrop or strobing lights; instead, he let his voice carry him. 

It was one of the most respectful crowds I had ever experienced. I closed my eyes at one point during “Cliffy” and felt like I was the only person in the room, a rare feeling at a crowded concert. This respect for the music by Maeson allowed the audience to connect with the lyrics individually.

In the moments between songs, Maeson shared a couple of personal stories that led to the writing of the songs—a gifted storyteller both in music and conversation. Between the gut-wrenching lyrics, you might get some comedy relief about his time running from the cops. 

Opening for Maeson was another Virginian singer-songwriter named Steinza, also known as Zach Stein. This charming 24-year-old had equally humorous stories to pair with his songs. He brought the entire venue together to sing about his dental hygienist, “Christine”. It was quite a testament to Stein’s stage presence to be able to engage and capture a crowd as an opener. 

These two Virginians left their vulnerabilities on the stage that night. But standing solo in front of The Observatory crowd, you could not distinguish if they had any weaknesses in their live performance. From the intimate music to the respectful crowd, the audience witnessed the swells and crescendos of the songs. This stripped format is rare to see and led to a special closing night of Maeson's US leg.