Last night marked my third (potentially fourth) time seeing Shakey Graves live. I've seen him before in opening slots, including with Minnesota's own Trampled by Turtles, but this was my first time seeing the Austin native headline.
Before playing a single note, Alejandro Rose-Garcia, better known as Shakey Graves, took a shot with the crowd, which, of course, got the packed First Avenue room jazzed. He then spent roughly the first two and a half songs completely alone on stage before his band joined him. It was an interesting choice that highlighted just how strong a performer he is. His voice sounded fantastic all night, and though I'm not familiar with his catalog, I recognized a few songs, including "Tomorrow" and "Ready or Not," showing off material from different eras of his career.
Opening the evening was Wild Pink, the Brooklyn and Queens indie rock band. Their music wasn't entirely my style, but it was easy to appreciate the talent. They delivered a solid set, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them continue building a larger following in the years ahead.
One of the more interesting aspects of the night was the crowd itself. The audience spanned multiple generations, from younger fans discovering Shakey Graves through newer releases to longtime listeners who have been following him for years. That broad appeal was reflected throughout the room, where college-age concertgoers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with fans old enough to remember his earliest days as a touring musician. The stage production was relatively simple, but the large screens behind the band added a nice visual element, displaying atmospheric imagery and lighting effects that complemented the music without distracting from it.
What stood out most about Shakey Graves wasn't necessarily the setlist but the way he controlled the room. Alejandro had the audience in the palm of his hand all night, commanding attention in a subtle, almost effortless way. The band was undeniably talented, and the performance was consistently good. Still, despite moments of excellence, the show never quite elevated itself into something especially memorable for me. It was an enjoyable evening led by a gifted musician, but not one that will rank among the most unforgettable concerts I've attended.
