Gay pop icon Chappell Roan has taken the world by a storm in just these last few months and Buffalo is no exception to that. The artist performed at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor on May 24 for a sold out crowd where fans got to the venue as early as 8 a.m. to get a spot up close.
Chappell Roan was originally supposed to perform her Buffalo stop of The Midwest Princess tour at Town Ballroom. However, after a heavy demand from fans she got upgraded to an even bigger venue where she quickly sold out as well.
Chappell Roan is known for creating a safe space for members of the queer community and even sets to uplift those members in each city she performs in. She does this by having local Drag Queens perform as her openers who energize the crowd effortlessly. Western New York’s local queens included Morticia C Monroe, Daphne York, and Little Mx. Bunny. Chappell shared their Venmoes with the crowd so fans could directly support their own queer community.
This Midwest Princess has flipped the concert scene on its head and has brought new art forms into live music. Inviting drag queens allows for greater representation and creates a fun environment. Chappell even has themes for each tour stop so fans can dress up alongside the artist. Buffalo’s theme was “My Kink Is Karma” which left a sea of red and black through the crowd. From devil ears, to cowboy hats, and go-go boots, people were dressed to the nines.
Buffalo’s Kink is Karma
The iconic star came out in her red bedazzled corset and snatched makeup look that made her first song choice so obvious: “Femininomenon.” A song that invites listeners to question the norms that women must conform to in order to be deemed of value. This is one of many themes that Chappell displays in her music. She poses insightful questions while also encouraging everyone to embrace their femininity.
The room for self-expression layered with Chappell’s unmatched vocal range makes this a concert experience everyone needs to have. She is a pop phenomenon that without a doubt has the talent but synchronously has the “it” factor that make her addicting to watch.
Chappell Roan’s control of the pulse of the crowd is of a true performer. She knows exactly when to let loose with fans and when to reel it back to take in those slow moments to feel all the feelings. Chappell then has everyone lifting a middle finger up for their exes. She guides people through pure entertainment especially when getting everyone to do hand signals for her song, “HOT TO GO!.”
Dedicated to the Exes
Her stage is shared with other powerful women including Lucy Ritter on drums, Devon Eisenbarger on guitar and Allee Futterer on bass. The group mostly played tunes off of her latest album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. She performed her latest single, “Good Luck, Babe!” which has taken the internet by a storm. She obviously had to play Buffalo’s theme single “My Kink Is Karma” but not before dedicating it to the audiences exes.
Some people tried to exit the venue before the encore in order to beat traffic. Although, once Chappell came back on stage singing “California” with her angelic voice so many people could be seen beelining it back into the crowd just to get a final glimpse.
That’s the thing about Chappell Roan, she is constantly pulling the crowd in. She’s addicting to watch and enthralling to listen to. A Chappell Roan show isn’t just a safe space for the queer community, but a reminder of what letting go and embracing joy is all about.
Terminal B is having quite the lineup to kick off their Summer concert series. Brothers Osborne is coming June 14 and Lil Yachty performs June 15. Get your tickets here!
Setlist: Femininomenon, Naked in Manhattan, Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, Love Me Anyway, Picture You, Guilty Pleasure, HOT TO GO!, After Midnight, Coffee, Kaleidoscope, Casual, Red Wine Supernova, Good luck Babe!, My Kink Is Karma
Encore: California, Pink Pony Club
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