One of my favorite concert experiences is discovering new music from artists I’ve never heard before, while still enjoying a familiar name. That’s exactly what happened at the X Ambassadors' VHS Tour, featuring Kevin Garrett and Skylar Grey.
Kevin Garrett took the stage first, and his performance was everything I hoped for. As soon as I got home, I added his songs to my "slow jams" playlist on iTunes and Spotify. Garrett’s set was captivating, but he also showed off his sense of humor with a joke that, unfortunately, went over most of the crowd’s heads due to its French context. Despite that, Garrett’s set was a highlight, showcasing his incredible talent and charm.
Next up was Skylar Grey, whose name might be new to some, but her resume is impressive. Grey has been behind some major hits, co-writing tracks for Eminem and Rihanna and lending her voice to Diddy’s "Coming Home" and Fort Minor’s "Where’d You Go." Her stage presence and vocal prowess were evident as she performed.
Finally, X Ambassadors took to the stage with a level of energy that was palpable, even on the modest stage they played. While I was familiar with their music, I didn’t know much about the band itself. A quick Google search revealed three key facts: the members have known each other for most of their lives, two are brothers, and one, Casey Harris, is blind. My initial thought was, “So he’s like a modern Stevie Wonder.” Harris might not be as famous yet, but if the band continues on this trajectory, they’re headed for greatness. Harris was mesmerizing to watch, lost in his own world of music and dancing by his keyboard. His enthusiasm was infectious and made for an unforgettable performance.
The VHS Tour is still underway and has many dates left, running through early February. Most shows are sold out, but if you can snag a ticket, I highly recommend it. Check out available dates and grab your tickets here.
More photos from the show can be found here.
Written and photographed by Simma Lamb
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