Cool. Fun. Rich. Hot. Ber at First Ave
Friday night at Minnesotas own legendary First Ave local artist Ber headlined an evening that was a celebration of local talent. Opening the evening was artist Anna Devine, with a sound that leans into indie-pop vulnerability, Devine’s songs carry a quiet emotional weight. Soft, reflective moments layered with melodies that linger long after the set ends. There’s an honesty in her delivery that feels unfiltered, the kind that invites the audience to lean in and listen. As she moved through her set she brought originals and covers inviting the audience into her own world and to sing along with fun familiars. The audience singing along with her version of Miley Cyrus’, The Climb.
What stood out most was her presence and gentle confidence with a warmth. Between songs, she offered glimpses into the stories behind her music, grounding the performance in something real and personal with her strong songwriting paired with a genuine sense of self.
By the time her set wrapped, the crowd was settled in, warmed up, attentive, and ready for the night ahead. The crowd seemed to be a good mix of local friends and family supporters and local fans here to support these break out hometown musicians.
When Ber took the stage at First Avenue, the room lite up with a playful, warm, and undeniably joyful energy. From the first moments, Ber brought a lightness to the stage, twirling between songs and leaning into the kind of presence that feels both carefree and deeply intentional. My first time seeing her live and I was both im pressed and taken aback by how fun and light she seemed - her music is so deep and grounded in its recording.
Adorned in ribbons from Ryleyhaus decorated in support of donations to immigrant funds, she took a moment to acknowledge the crowd beyond the music. Ber taking a moment to share how proud she was of the resilience of Minnesotans. It was a small but meaningful pause that grounded the night in something bigger, a reminder of the community that exists both inside and outside the venue walls.
Throughout the set, Ber balanced that sincerity with pure fun. She frequently stepped back from the mic, taking in the crowd with a sense of awe, smiling as voices echoed back lyrics, some from songs released just weeks prior off her latest albume, Good Like It Should Be. “I can’t believe you already know the words,” she shared, a mix of disbelief and gratitude in her voice. It’s that kind of real-time connection that makes her shows feel like a shared experience and gave the audience a proud moment of connection. This was an all ages show and looking around the crowd it was nice to see all ages. Young girls, older fans, Ber gave songs for everyone. The world can always use more good, fun, grounded women role models and I’m glad we have found one in Ber.
In one of the night’s standout moments, Ber welcomed other Minnesota local musicians to the stage, Jeremy Messersmith and a few others to the stage for a surprise collaboration that the audience quickly ate up. The chemistry was effortless, playful, and distinctly local, complete with a Jeremy whistle solo that brought an extra layer of charm to the set.
By the end of the night, it was clear Ber isn’t just building a fanbase, but she has already created a community. One that sings loudly, shows up early, and feels just as much a part of the moment as the artist on stage. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Ber as she continues this intimate tour with a few more stops.
