Unseasonable toasty in the Twin Cities, also twas the day of University Of Minnesota homecoming game, so things were a bit energized in Minneapolis when I was driving into Dinky Town. Gold and maroon garb on almost everyone as I angstily searched for a free spot in the neighborhoods. As I saw the flocks of students and fans stream past me, knew my chances were approaching snowball’s chance in hell probability. After about 10 minutes of scoping the streets, went down a few blocks where I knew meters may be available, and score, your girl got in. $2 an hour, not bad. Especially on a bustling day. Huzzuh!
Just a five minute walk from Varsity, made my way down, dodging tipsy bro gaggles and giggling hoards of girls. Great people watching, happy to get a slice of that before a show. Then even more people watching can be devoured. Popped into Blarney’s, slightly less busy than the Kollege Klub, which had a line 50 or so deep outside the door waiting to get in. Grabbed a bottle of Corona with a juicy lime to take a seat while absorbing the sights, sounds, and smells, of an energetic bar. Was becoming a bit wild, so gave my table to some lucky boys who were on the search and made my way to Varsity.
Line for the doors was snaking around the building even half an hour before opening, good thing I got there early. Spying the elusive words for so many artists emblazoned on the luminated marquee, “SOLD OUT.” Always fantastic to see. Oodles of lit fits on fans, lots of Rebecca Black’s signature black and red tones, also loved seeing the prevalence of fishnets and leather corsets. It was finally cooling off outside, so thankfully we didn’t have to wait long after 7 to get inside. Passing by the merch table, saw tour shirts were sitting at $40 for Rebecca Black, and $35 for opening support, BAYLI. Not too bad. The floor was already thronged with fans with drinks in hand, taking photos of each other and having mini dance parties even without any music on. Right on the dot at 8 o’clock, the lights dimmed signaling the music was about to start. Scattered cheers and screams erupted as BAYLI began her set.
Arriving on stage in ultimate coolness, donning baggy sweatpants, “HYPER FIXATED” top, with a fluffy faux fur handbag; Brooklyn-raised BAYLI looked stylish and sounded solid. Having a penchant for slick vocal and techno pop beats, was into it right away. Though the audience was a bit cool at first upon first reception, she was quick to turn that around and broke down those walls expeditiously. Hyping up the crowd with her infectious personality and presence, the Rebecca Black fans in the front were now fully invested. Being able to sing, DJ, and move like she can, easy to understand why her solo career has taken off after band The Skins went into hiatus back in 2018. A great pick for an opening act, really meshed with the tour mood perfectly.
Got a bit steamy inside waiting for Rebecca Black to begin. The entire venue was filled to the brim with steamy bodies waiting for the headliner to launch. Loved the plethora of Britney tracks that were played before she began, got my dance on with many Spears fans. Forgot how much of a banger “Womanizer” is. The stage was simply decorated, the main focal point being a small raised platform in the middle, with layers of fringe fabric enveloping it. About ten after 9, the lights dimmed and suddenly tour iconography and words started to appear on the facades. Slivers of Black’s face blending with introspective phrases began to come faster and faster, alternating between positions and creating a sort of chaotic visual rhythm. Illuminated from a red and white light, the diva herself appeared behind the fringe to begin her first song. Masked mostly by the lines of flowing fabric, was a fascinating treatment and formed an elusive and titillating mystique. Two dancers appeared to flank each side of her, the fringe parted, and they took to the main spread of the stage to put on a badass fricken show.
I was expecting talented dancers, but this caliber was explosive. Swirling around the singer, both would interpretively and instinctively pinball off of each other. If that wasn’t enough, pulling sick ass moves, they brought out a long red rope for Rebecca Black to get her jump rope on. The physicality of the dynamic trio of women on stage was thrilling, energy levels out of the stratosphere, and the crowd was eating it up. “Exhibitionism On Tour” is right on the money, the namesake living up to every inch of expectation. Rebecca Black’s voice sounded crystal clean and frosty crisp, easily hitting any note out of the park. With how much she was moving, was stunning to hear how well she can sing with all that going on. A true professional, making what is almost impossible seem like a pleasure cruise. Can see why she sold out, her performance live is sensational. Can’t imagine missing out any time she is in town. To top it off, heard she was going to be performing a second and more EDM/techno show later the same evening over at Skyway. Dang.
Make sure she is on your bucket list for artists to witness, what a fricken banger of a show.
