Tinashe PERFORMS at 9:30 club
BY LIZ BAUMMER (SHE/HER)When I arrived at the 9:30 Club shortly after doors open, a line extends down the block before wrapping around the building. Over a hundred people stand waiting in line to get the best possible position inside for Tinashe’s set. The energy in the air is palpable and nobody seems to mind that it is slightly chilly while the line inches us closer to the door.
People are already pushed up against the barricade by the time I get inside. As I make my way up to the front to prepare for the opener, UNIIQU3, I encounter some of the nicest, most fun fans I’ve ever met at a concert. A pair of young women strike up a conversation with me about my camera before a pair of young men approach us to offer some nachos they had just ordered. As the topic of food comes up, I somehow leave the interaction with one of the women’s family recipes for homemade pierogi dough, a recipe I will definitely be breaking out as soon as I have the chance. And honestly this one interaction highlights exactly what made this show so special. Besides stellar musical talent (I’ll get to this in a minute), the fans at this show were energetic, fun, and kind. Every one of them I encountered while weaving my way through the crowd graciously helped me reach the front barricade, some offering smiles and everyone enjoying themselves.
The opener for the night was, UNIIQU3, the Jersey Club Queen. UNIIQU3 wears many hats: producer, dj, rapper, and singer; and her talent is evident onstage. Her electric performance had the entire venue dancing and singing at full volume to get the show started. Her dance music was the perfect fit to warm up the crowd for a stunning Tinashe performance. After UNIIQU3 got the crowd going, a timer appeared on the screen to count down the minutes until Tinashe took the stage. With every second that ticked by, the buzz in the audience seemed to grow and the crowd packed in closer and closer to the barricade. I was honestly unsure of how I was going to get back up through the crowd to the barricade for Tinashe’s set. When I finally got back to the front of the venue, I looked up behind me to see that the balcony was also more full than I have ever seen it at a show.
When the timer hit zero, Tinashe entered the stage atop a large LED platform to much well-deserved fanfare. In fact, Tinashe is so popular that 9:30 Club added a second date after the first night quickly sold out! The show opened with her hit song Treason followed by X. Tinashe was joined on stage by an ensemble of talented backup dancers to add to her already impressive performance. Her set also included performances of her hits Die a Little Bit, Cash Race, and SHY GUY. To make the night even more special, this was Tinashe’s birthday show so of course to the already extensive setlist included a singing of Happy Birthday midway through the show!
Tinashe’s singing, and dancing, ability is impossible to ignore when she takes the stage. And Tinashe’s talents do not end at her vocals. She also writes, produces, engineers, and so much more! Between her incredible talents and the incredibly fun fans, this is a show I would recommend to anyone. Part One: East Coast of Tinashe’s BB/ANG3L tour continues through February 15, ending in Chicago. If the stop in your city is not sold out (and many already are!) I would definitely get your ticket while you can!
