Grace Potter performed at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on January 18, in support of her 2023 release, Mother Road. This performance marked the third stop on a tour extending through August. Backed by a dynamic four-piece band, Potter delivered a two-hour rock exhibition, captivating and thrilling her fans at The Cap.
As the house lights dimmed, a stage metamorphosis evoked the sensation of traveling down Route 66 in the 1960s. Enveloped in the simulated radiance of tour bus headlights, a silhouette materialized, and Potter took center stage, kicking off the show with “Lady Vagabound” from Mother Road.
The night was a musical inferno, igniting the stage from the instant Grace made her entrance. Throughout the night, Potter embodied a kaleidoscope of personas. In the early moments, she became a tornado, swirling dynamically around the stage. The song “Your Girl” from Midnight saw Potter confidently striding across the stage, and when “Good Time” hit, it nearly lifted the roof off the house with its electrifying energy.
The evening resonated with an array of new songs. Nearly half of the Mother Road recording found its place in the setlist. “Ready Set Go,” from Mother Road, showcased Grace’s raw and textured voice, infusing the song with the necessary vigor. Long time GP & The Nocturnal fans were not left by the wayside. Tunes like “Medicine” and “Ah Mary” made their way to the night’s set list.
In the latter part of the evening, Potter graced the stage alone, accompanied only by her guitar. During this intimate moment, she presented a heartfelt interpretation of Etta James‘ “I’d Rather Go Blind.” Her minimal guitar accompaniment, combined with a deep haunting vocal, emerged as the focal point of the night. While this change in vibe deviated from the earlier energy, it introduced another layer to Grace’s seasoned rock ‘n’ roll expertise.
This was also an evening of musical milestones. Brittney Spencer, the opening act, was releasing her debut album, My Stupid Life, at the stroke of midnight. Moreover, this was her first time opening for Grace Potter marking another significant first in her burgeoning career.
Recognized recently by Rolling Stone as one of the “25 Artists to Watch,” Spencer demonstrated why she earned such acclaim. Commanding the stage with a powerful presence and a voice of sultry richness, she allowed her self-penned tunes to resonate not only within the theater but also in the hearts of those who listened.
Spencer collaborated with Potter for two duets during the show. She joined Grace in an acoustic rendition of “Little Hitchhiker” from Mother Road, and later during the encore, they united their voices for a cover of Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released.” In each instance, their voices harmonized seamlessly, crafting a singular and exquisite sound.
Potter wrapped up the evening with a four-song encore, starting with a rocking version of “Paris (Ohh La La).” To bring the night to a close and with the audience illuminating the space with their phone lights, Grace concluded with “Stars.” The harmonious glow enveloping the hall against the backdrop of darkness orchestrated a melodic moment that transported everyone into a symphonic realm beyond.
The tour takes Potter and crew to The Paramount in Huntington on January 24th, The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ on January 25th, and The Filmore in Philadelphia on January 26th, with Brittney Spencer opening all three shows.
Grace Potter – Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – January 18, 2024
Setlist: Lady Vagabond, Medicine, Ah Mary, Empty Heart, Mother Road, Ready Set Go, Something That I Want, Your Girl, Good Time, I’d Rather Go Blind, Little Hitchhiker, Nothing but the Water, The Lion the Beast the Beat
Encore: Paris (Ooh La La), You and Tequila, I Shall Be Released, Stars
Grace Potter
Brittney Spencer
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