Amber Mark presents ‘The Pretty Idea Tour’ at the Varsity Theater

Last Friday I made my first foray to the Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis. The venue sits adjacent to the University of Minneapolis campus in Dinkytown, intertwined with it’s student life. Before the show we grabbed a drink at an Irish pub a block away then walked over to the venue. 

The Varsity itself feels like a hidden gem—ornate, cozy, and buzzing with anticipation as the crowd filtered in for the night’s lineup. You must check out the bathroom on your next visit.

Opening the night was Sherwyn supporting Amber Mark on this tour bringing his Spin City EP to stages across the US. Sherwyn has an infectious energy that lights up the stage and gives the audience an energetic glow. Sherwyn bounced around the stage dancing, inviting the crowd to jump around and join in the fun. Sherwyn thanked the crowd multiple times and shared his delight of being there in Minneapolis this past Friday evening. This performer exudes charisma and is one to keep an eye on.

When Amber Mark finally took the stage, the room shifted from anticipation to full attention. Opening with a silhoutte spotlight on her dead center stage, the band played leading her into Let Me Love You. Her voice is silky, powerful, and effortlessly controlled. Blending R&B grooves with pop sensibility and a touch of soul, Mark moved through the set with an ease that made it feel like an intimate performance cutting through the packed room and inviting each of us to sing and dance along. The crowd swayed, singing back lyrics and hanging onto every note.

Mark made her way through songs on her latest release ‘Pretty Idea.' She also wove on songs from her breakthrough EP, 3:33am from 2017 like, Lose My Cool, Mark has a deep discography to draw from for a tour, and performed many of the songs from her 2024 EP Loosies too. She also through in some covers including, Vogue by Madonna giving us an invitation to strike a post along with her. Whether leaning into emotional ballads or lifting the energy with rhythmic, danceable tracks, Amber Mark held the room with confidence and charisma. By the end of the set, it felt clear why her fan base continues to grow, her music resonates live in a way that feels honest and magnetic.

Her bandmates are a class act in dapper suits and sunglasses. Her set minimal with a red monogrammed rug center, and light design highlighting all the right moments for the crowd. She’s a popstar with class - timeless.