Noah Kahan Shines In Charlotte

The Stick Season Tour Sells Out Skyla Credit Union Ampitheatre

It may be June here in the Queen City, but when indie folk star Noah Kahan comes to town, it’s stick season no matter the time of year. The first time I saw Noah perform was several years back when he came through Charlotte and played at The Underground which is only a two-minute walk from the ampitheatre and a much smaller venue. I wasn’t familiar with his music at all back then, but when I saw the beaming faces of all the young girls in the audience accompanied by their squeals of excitement, I was intrigued, to say the least. What I witnessed that night was something extraordinary as Kahan is more than just an ordinary singer-songwriter. Noah has a vulnerability about him that comes alive on stage and gives you an intimate connection to his songs and his music. So when I heard that he was back out on the road in support of his latest album Stick Season, I knew it was an event not to be missed.

The sold-out crowd was still filing into the venue when singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun took the stage accompanied by her band. The stage setup was simple and when Joy stepped up to the microphone, it was obvious that Joy’s voice was all that was going to be needed. Unfortunately, as the singer began the first song “Keeping The Light On,” nobody could hear the vocals. Everyone yelled that they couldn’t hear and to turn it up louder. After a minute or two, whatever technical difficulties that plagued the vocal mic had been sorted out and we were off as they started over again. Oladokkun’s vocals were moving and heartfelt and the band was firing on all cylinders. It was a short but passionate set that even included a cover of Elton John’s “Rocket Man” and was a perfect way to kick off a spectacular night of music.

After a rather lengthy break as the crew prepared the stage and equipment got set up, it was finally time for the moment we all had been waiting for. Stick Season was here! “All My Love” began the evening’s set and right from the start the capacity crowd was singing along, putting their hearts and souls on display in the sweet summer air. Kahan’s vocals were outstanding as he centered himself center stage, sometimes accompanied by his mandolin and other times with an acoustic guitar or an electric. His guitarist and bass guitarist were off on each side and the keyboard player (who also grabbed a banjo at times) and drummer were each situated on risers at the rear of the stage. Here’s a major shout-out to the stage designer because the risers and steps were crafted from a gorgeous wood with elegant yet simple curves resembling the most beautiful of musical instruments by design and the lighting for the evening was absolutely gorgeous running the gamut from simple spots on Kahan to bathing the entire band in brilliant beauty.

A lot of Kahan’s catalog can come across as somber as he truly writes from his own experiences in life whether positive or negative, but he fills them with a true passion that resonates with the crowd and allows for an emotional release that only live music can provide. In between, Noah tells personal stories that allow his fans to easily relate to him and his music. Can a 5 or 6-thousand-capacity ampitheatre really be intimate though? Yes, in this case, it completely did as you felt right at home with not only Noah but the fans around you.

It wasn’t all sadness as his songs are also about overcoming and finding the light in the darkness. There were some funny moments as well as Kahan joked with the audience and laughed about all the nicknames he has accrued including the Jewish Ed Sheeran and Folk Malone before calling himself the Jewish Capaldi as everyone roared in laughter and appreciation for this fast-rising star. A highlight of the evening was the poignant performance of “Carlo’s Song” which was written about a friend of Kahan’s that had passed away as fans held their cellphones up high, lighting the night with beautiful light in memory of not only Noah’s friend but all the loved ones we personally missed.

What an amazing night of beautiful music and memories made! Be sure and check out Noah Kahan when he makes a stop in your town. He has dates that run through October here in the States before heading off to Europe this fall.

See the Full Gallery of the Night!

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