Live: GRACIE ABRAMS // 7th St Entry, Minneapolis, MN
Gracie Abrams gave a magical and intimate performance at 7th St Entry this week on the third night of her This Is What It Feels Like tour.
Major buzz surrounded Gracie Abrams’ Minneapolis show, with fans remarking on the privilege of seeing her in a small club venue like 7th St Entry. Comparisons were made to Billie Eilish playing this venue in 2018 (mere months later she was headlining major festivals and sold-out arena tours). A desperate fan searched for a spare ticket outside of the venue as the queue slowly filed in.
Alix Page opened the night with a delightful set. Highlights included a cover of Teenage Dirtbag and relatable original Radiohead, with Page explaining beforehand: it’s about an ex ruining a band’s music. Her recently released debut EP Old News is a gorgeous 4-song collection that serves as the perfect introduction to the relatively new artist. Gracie Abrams’ fans welcomed Page with open arms, and she left the stage full of smiles.
Gracie Abrams made a jaw-dropping entrance with a bass-heavy rendition of Feels Like. There was an instantaneous, nearly indescribable feeling of joy as Abrams made her way on stage. Waving, smiling and connecting with each person in the front row, the crackle of energy and adoration emanating from her fans was palpable. Throughout Abrams’ set, she paused to take selfies and videos with members of the audience, at one point exclaiming, “there are so many cameras!” It was a pleasure to witness the exchange of love and gratitude.
During minor, the title track from her debut EP, Abrams moved toward her vintage electric piano. Watching her pour her heart into her lyrics, her fans singing nearly just as loud as her, was mesmerizing. After being continuously impressed song after song, Rockland blew expectations out of the water. In the bridge, Abrams sings, “like falling with a knife, you cut deep / you cut deep.” These words cut through the room in a flurry of deep, raw emotion. The rest of the night passed in what felt like seconds, and I left the venue awestruck.
It is hard to describe just how special this performance was. In Gracie Abrams one finds a heartfelt lyricist, a genuine performer and a magical vocalist. It is no wonder that her releases to date have garnered so much praise, and one cannot wait to see what happens when a larger fanbase gets a hold of her catalog.
Photos: Morgan Winston