English singer-songwriter Lucy Rose and her bandmates were met with roars of applause as she casually sashayed onto Union Stage in her black dress and white sneakers. The 150 adoring fans attending the concert were silenced only when she opened her mouth to sing the first single from her newest album “Something’s Changing” titled, “Is This Called Home” -- a haunting ballad inspired by the fleeing migrants of war-torn areas in Africa and the Middle East.
The March 30 concert marked her second-to-last show touring in the United States with her long-time friend and opening act, Charlie Cunningham, who captivated the audience by performing three singles off his new alternative/indie album, “Lines.” When it was Rose’s turn, she enraptured the audience song after song with her musical storytelling -- stopping occasionally to graciously thank them for their attendance and ask what songs they would like her to play next.
As more and more audience members strolled in, she found herself bombarded with song options she hadn’t heard since the early days of her career. From “Redface” to “All That Fear,” the audience spent the entirety of the concert begging for their favorite Lucy Rose songs and like a true artist, Rose delivered exactly what her fans wanted.
While paying tribute to her usual pastoral-folksy, silky smooth repertoire, she still managed to debut new songs heavily inspired by her months-long tour throughout Latin America, like “Moirai” and “Strangest of Ways.” Rose shifted the tone of the entire concert by singing of the hardship she had witnessed there -- her tales of the unfair livelihoods led by fans she stayed with on her journey spurred a sense of heartbreak among the audience. She recounted the experience of one fan who was in the midst of severe economic hardship. Rather than accept money from Rose, he encouraged her to keep making her music because, for him, only her passion could ease his pain.
According to D.C. resident Mary Summar, however, the soul-lifting effects of Rose’s tunes weren’t just limited to her fans in Latin America. Following the concert’s riveting conclusion, Summar spoke of the power that Rose’s music had on her.
“I remember I was in the hospital after my brain surgery and I heard her music,” she said. “That woman is one of the reasons I am standing here today.”
Luckily, Summar received a chance to tell Rose her story during the meet-and-greet afterwards, which was an interaction that brought tears to both her and Rose’s eyes.
By the concert’s end, everyone in attendance knew that this would be a night to remember. It is rare occurrence to witness a performance by an artist like Lucy Rose. Her passion and talent are only matched by her genuine kindness and care for those enamored by her work. If one ever has the opportunity to attend one of her concerts in the future, they will no doubt fall in love with the perfect balance she maintains.
“Something’s Changing” is available now on Apple Music, Amazon Music and Spotify.
