On Saturday, October 19, Stephen Sanchez continued “The Connie Co Show” tour, making a stop at the iconic Met in Philadelphia. Stephen has been releasing music since 2019, but he didn’t start gaining traction until 2021 following the release of his debut EP, “What Was, Not Now.” The single “Until I Found You” absolutely took off, peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart! He went on to be nominated for Billboard Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards for Push Performance of the Year and Top Rock Song. This was only the beginning for Stephen, who continued to grow in fame.
Unfortunately, I arrived at the venue late, missing the majority of Bebe Stockwell’s set. Though I only got to experience two songs, I was in love. Their vocals and the simplicity of the set were heavenly. I wish I had been able to experience it in full!
After a short intermission, the man introducing the sets returned to the stage. He welcomed The Paper Kites, an Australian folk band consisting of six incredibly talented members. The crowd's cheers filled the room as the band took the stage. They went straight into their first song, causing the audience to fall nearly silent in admiration. Prior to their set, I had briefly checked out their music. I loved their studio tracks, but experiencing the harmonies live and feeling them rush through my bones made their music so much more addictive. I took in the rest of their set, admiring the talent on stage. If you love Tiny Habits, you will love The Paper Kites!
The Paper Kites said their goodbyes and left the stage, while the presenter returned. He encouraged the crowd to cheer for the band one last time and hyped them up for Stephen’s set, which was about to begin.
Time seemed to pass slowly, but before I knew it, the lights dimmed, and the crowd’s roars echoed through the venue. Instead of Stephen coming straight onto the stage, the man returned again to introduce him. Though this was a wonderful idea, I personally felt like it took away too much from the buildup to Stephen’s entrance. After the introduction, fans continued to cheer as the stage lights focused on the “Connie Co Show” sign. A few seconds passed, and the sign flipped around to reveal Stephen on the other side. He opened with one of his biggest songs, “Evangeline,” a slower track that was absolutely perfect for the vibe of his show.
I took a moment to really absorb the crowd and how they melded into the performance. Stephen has a very old-school sound to his music, which comes to life exuberantly in his live performances. He came on stage in a suit, surrounded by warm lighting and a very '60s vibe, capturing the old money style perfectly. It felt like a movie scene from an older concert, which was something I had never experienced in person before. I definitely felt that Stephen drew inspiration from old television and movie sets, executing his '60s essence flawlessly.
With a crowd full of smiles, Stephen moved on to his next song, “Only Girl,” my personal favorite. This track was on repeat for me for months, so hearing it live was a great moment. As the show continued, I admired how simple yet complex his performance was. The energy from both Stephen and the crowd was wonderful. The audience wasn’t the type to scream all the lyrics, but instead sang along quietly and appreciated the music—something I always find beautiful.
Before I knew it, the night was wrapping up, and Stephen was leaving the stage. Though I hadn’t delved deeply into his music before seeing him live, this performance was something I will remember for a lifetime. His smooth jazz vibe and class create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else! I highly recommend catching a Stephen Sanchez show if you have the opportunity; you will NOT be disappointed.
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