Dermot Kennedy Celebrates New Music On His Largest Tour Yet

Date: June 13th, 2023

Venue: The Anthem

Washington, DC

Celebrating his sophomore album Sonder which was released in November 2022, Irishman Dermot Kennedy has embarked on his largest tour to date. So large in fact that the stop that followed D.C.’s show on this tour was a bucket list show for Kennedy and one that every artist aspires for, Madison Square Garden. For those familiar with Kennedy this monumental accomplishment comes as no surprise as Kennedy has grown a strong and supportive fan base over the years as a result of his core-shaking vocals and relatable and emotional lyrics. 

What’s up, everyone? Derek here, a.k.a. The Photographic Ginger and I’m back again with another incredible night of music in our nation’s capital. 

When we covered Kennedy in March of 2020 he was also performing at The Anthem, much like on this evening. Also like before, the large room was filled with fans who knew every word. As the lights dimmed and the music and video sequence to start the show began to build, so did the roar of the fans. Then Kennedy appeared center stage, mic in hand, as he began to sing “Blossom.” 

The visual production along with the incredible music in a live setting made for “An Evening I Will Not Forget” as the power of songs such as “Moments Passed” drew strength from the passion of the crowd and their connection to the music. It’s a set that takes you through time as you’ll hear songs both new and old but also brings you into intimate moments in a large room. Moments such as those during “Rome” and “Innocence and Sadness.” 

During “Rome,” the room filled with light as fans held their cell phones high and sang along. While the origin story of “Innocence and Sadness” also will continue to resonate. It’s a song that hopes to remind listeners that the good will outweigh the bad and how the line “steady rhythm joy” was almost the title of the song. 

As the night drew to a close we were treated to Kennedy’s latest release “Don’t Forget Me” before upbeat hits such as “Kiss Me” and “Something to Someone” closed out the evening. Be sure to keep an eye on upcoming tour dates both in the States and internationally as you don’t want to miss your opportunity to experience his music live.

Along with Kennedy on this tour is an artist with impeccable vocals and a knack for creating catchy tunes with what can be perceived as a pessimist tone, but ultimately grounded in relatability and truth. Sasha Alex Sloan may refer to herself as a “glass half-empty kinda girl” but her artistry on stage and when writing is beyond positively amazing. One song that introduced me to Sloan years ago was “Thoughts” and its ability to find a way to both elegantly and truthfully explore the negative space that can occupy our minds. 

Throughout her set you’ll be introduced to Sasha and her perspective on the world by way of her songs, many of which can be found on her most recent album I Blame The World which makes itself home to the all-so-truthful lyric “Being an adult is f**king hard” within the song “Adult.” Or the song that I personally fell in love with during the pandemic “Is It Just Me?” from her debut album Only Child. 

See the full gallery of the night here!

If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.