Synth-pop star Chappell Roan electrified a sold-out Intersection crowd on Saturday, part of a robust roster of West Michigan concerts featuring national and local artists.
Rising Midwest Princess: Chappell Roan at The Intersection on Saturday. (Photo/Veronica Ann Dearborn)
SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTO GALLERIES
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
The poster didn’t specify any openers for the Chappell Roan show at The Intersection in Grand Rapids on Saturday.
But the crowd was overwhelmingly excited to cheer three Michigan drag performers who got the evening started: Mia Cole (Grand Rapids), Perry Dox (Ann Arbor) and Donna Tella (Grand Rapids) had the sold-out crowd dancing and singing along to their performances.
The star attraction, Chappell Roan, took the stage in theatrical, campy style bathed in red lights and flaunting a dramatic intro.
Singing along to every song, the crowd was decked out for the night’s “space” theme as deemed by Chappell on her Instagram account. Space creatures of all shapes and sizes graced the Intersection floor, with more glitter than one could ever wash off.
High-Energy: Roan incited a sold-out crowd. (Photo/Veronica Ann Dearborn)
At one point, the Missouri native and synth-pop star stopped before a song to teach the crowd how to perform the dance that accompanies it. “It’s kind of like the ‘YMCA,’ but … ya know,” she explained as she gestured with her arms to spell out the title for “Hot To Go!” from her latest studio album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” And yes, each time she hit that chorus, arms across the room flung up with fans dancing in unison.
The queer community was in full supportive force. There was a person fanning the audience in between songs, and a few others making sure everyone was hydrated. Energy filled the entire room, with everyone feeling part of a family, welcomed and fully accepted.
Roan made a point of showcasing the queer community during the show. “I really hope that you feel that you can be yourselves here, because I really do not want any other version,” Roan said noting how the community has made her feel comfortable in her “campy” attire on stage.
“This is your song Grand Rapids,” Roan exclaimed as she described the back story behind “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl,” about a girl wasting a Friday night on a first date at the local Chili’s.
She threw her hand in the air and yelled, “Paws up!” Fans immediately threw their hands into the air as Roan and her band busted into a cover of “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga. The room roaredt.
She finished the set with two encore songs, “California” and “Pink Pony Club” — crowd favorites judging by the audience reaction. It was gay. It was glittery. It was accepting. And best of all, it was a good time.
Check out photos from the show here, and scroll down for galleries from five other shows in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo — from Low Phase’s album-release show at The Pyramid Scheme to the heavy metal Oigfest at Papa Pete’s and a weekend-ending show at Elevation starring Scary Pockets.
PHOTO GALLERY: Chappell Roan at The Intersection in Grand Rapids
Photos by Veronica Ann Dearborn
Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo
Photos by Derek Ketchum
Drink Their Blood, Mouthful of Locusts, Bonehawk, One With The Riverbed
Photos by Derek Ketchum
