There are a few shows you know you have to witness before a musician or band hits their big break. Tuesday night in San Francisco with rising act, The Last Dinner Party, was that kind of show. We could feel in the early evening spring air as the sold out crowd packed in… we were all lucky to be able to witness this band probably the only time they’d be brought to such an intimate experience.
Fresh off the Coachella stage with a debut album stacking millions of listens, the quintet has been turning heads in the music world with their larger than life live theatrics and array of talents.
The crowd arrived and lined up early, waiting to pack in the venues red curtained walls and checkered carpet floors. The back was opened up, showcasing packed tabled seating while guests dressed in modern renaissance wear and sipped their cocktails.
Miss Grit was a special guest for the tour who opened on the stage solo, with her electric guitar and faded strips of light holding her silhouette into view. A laptop onstage played the backing track of strings and harmonizing vocals. The atmosphere reminded me of those shows in college where you felt like you were going to meet the next greats… and here they are, nearly eye level. And Miss Grit was surely larger than life.
The Last Dinner Party arrived on the stage with a swish of long skirts, wearing pastels, lace, and pearls and glimmering smiles. The first words we heard from them were “It’s nice to feel so close and cozy here. Normally they set us apart by a cage because we are so dangerous…”
The quintet danced effortlessly along the stage then, starting off their performance with “Feminine Urge and “Beautiful Boy” while fans sang along, packed in tight to witness their energy.
“This is the time to shout the name of your ex into the skies…” cried out Abigail Morris, whose voice felt perfect for this theatrical and historical venue. “Listen you, now,” she pointed at a few members of the crowd. “We have entered what we call… the weeping hour.” They eased into the pace of “On Your Side.”
As they continued through their set, they decided to take a moment of pause, for a treat for the “good little crowd” we were. Titled “Second Best,” they played a song yet to be released, and what a treat it was to witness.
“No good deed goes unpunished. We gave you something, and we need something from you in return.” And they asked the audience to sing alone to the next one… “give me the strength”
The theatrics continued through the evening, and you felt the loving chemistry each band member had for one another. They shared mics, leaned on each others’ shoulders, and floated around every corner of the stage to meet the eyes of their adoring fans.
We felt very fortunate to be a part of this special evening. While you have the chance, grab your tickets to see The Last Dinner Party, and stay tuned for more updates on the band.