Stephen Sanchez @ Jacobs Pavilion (8/7/24)
When I walked into Jacobs Pavilion to see Stephen Sanchez on Wednesday night, I left 2024 and stepped into the 1950's. At least that's the way it felt when Stephen walked onto the stage. Dressed in a black two piece suit, with a white tank top underneath, he was greeted with a roar from the crowd. Decorated to resemble a late night talkshow, the set had rolling lights, a desk and chair, and carpeted steps. Mostly lit by spotlight, Stephen started the set by playing his crowd hit "Evangeline", followed by "Only Girl", and "Emotional Vacation". Most of what Stephen played throughout the night were songs from his 2023 album "Angel Face" but he also threw in a few deeper cuts as well. Stephen has a voice that I could only describe as angelic. He has such a wide vocal range, and he has truly nailed the 1950's rock and roll romantic aesthetic. Attending one of his shows is entering into the world he created for his music, and his vision comes across loud and clear.
About three quarters through the show, the stage lighting went dark, and a spotlight swung out into the crowd to reveal that Stephen had secretly made his way into the crowd to play his next song, a cover of Roy Orbisons "Oh, Pretty Woman". Everyone screamed as he made his way through, and he made a point to make every woman that he passed feel like he was singing the lyrics directly to them. Stephen ended his set by playing his gigantic hit (over 1B plays) "Until I Found You", and "Shake".
Stephen has just started his tour, so please grab tickets to the nearest show and go back in time with him!
Photos by Shelly Duncan
