Courtney Barnett Lights Up the Palace Theatre in St. Paul

Courtney Barnett brought a packed and energized crowd to the Palace Theatre Saturday night for a show that felt both relaxed and electric at the same time. From the moment the lights dimmed, the audience was fully locked in and ready for every song.

Opening the night was Truman Sinclair, an up and coming artist with roots in the Midwest music scene who immediately made an impression. Sinclair played with a ton of energy and confidence, throwing himself completely into the performance. Even people who may not have known his music at the start of the set seemed won over by the end. He did more than just warm up the crowd he got the room genuinely excited for what was coming next.

Courtney Barnett, the singer-songwriter and guitarist from Melbourne, Australia, has built a reputation over the years for honest lyrics, laid-back stage presence, and explosive guitar playing. Since breaking through in the mid-2010s, she has become one of the most respected names in indie rock, known for turning everyday observations into songs that connect with people in a real way. Saturday marked her first Twin Cities performance in several years, and the crowd clearly missed her.

Barnett opened the set with “Stay in Your Lane,” and the reaction inside the Palace was immediate. The audience erupted as the band kicked in, setting the tone for the rest of the night. The energy never really dipped from there. Throughout the set, cheers echoed across the venue as Barnett stepped toward the front of the stage with her guitar and ripped through loud, gritty solos that sounded even more powerful live.

One of the standout moments came during “Depreston.” The crowd sang nearly every word back to her, filling the theater with one giant voice. When the song ended, the cheering kept going long enough to bring a thankful smile across Barnett’s face before she moved on to the next song.

The setlist mixed newer material from her latest album with the songs longtime fans were hoping to hear. The newer tracks fit naturally alongside the older favorites and kept the crowd engaged the entire night.

For a first Courtney Barnett concert experience, it was hard to ask for much more. Between the packed house, the nonstop energy from the audience, Truman Sinclair’s impressive opening set, and Barnett’s mix of great songwriting and fearless guitar work, the night felt memorable from start to finish.