There is something extremely special when a musician plays in the city they live. This was true this week at Webster Hall on back-to-back nights, where Noah Kahan played to sold out crowds and created nights to remember. The Brooklyn resident took to his Instagram story following night two to say, “New York, I looked at you and I saw love in your eyes and I felt like if you could love something in me that much, then I should love myself too. Thank you.” That feeling of love felt like an energy bouncing back and forth towards Kahan and then returning to the crowd at each show.
Following an impressive opening set from Blake Rose, the sold out crowd filed into the venue. The main floor ballroom flowed overcapacity and into the halls with fans watching on their tiptoes as Noah Kahan took the stage and throughout his set.
Upstairs on the balcony was a similar story. Fans lined along every slot of the balcony creating multiple layers of fans up top too—all there for an incredible night of music.
Kahan and his four-person band took the stage and led with the beautifully introspective ‘A Troubled Mind’ from the Vermont-based songwriter’s Cape Elizabeth EP released inside the pandemic. It was an excellent song to start with and especially followed by ‘Passengers,’ which culminated in the entire crowd screaming “I’m Your Passenger” repeated to close the song. This left an ear-to-ear smile on Kahan’s face.
I Was/I Am
For many, this was their first opportunity to hear music from Noah Kahan’s newest album, I Was/I Am (one of my favorite albums of the year). The first song of this set from the sophomore album was ‘Animal,’ which the crowd was again singing back. Following the song, Kahan excitingly exclaimed into the mic, “New York! You sold this mother fucker out TWO times!” The crowd erupted and just three songs in the energy in the crowd suggested it was going to be a special night.
The backdrop for the band was an open circle similar to the I Was/I Am album cover with the lighting often reflecting that. Fans sang along with their favorites such as ‘False Confidence’, ‘Part of Me’, and ‘Hollow.’
The atmosphere in Webster Hall while it was crowded, felt extremely intimate. Kahan did a brilliant job at engaging the crowd, one with his music, and two between songs in words. Often making the crowd laugh or sharing insights into his life and songs. Prior to the show, Kahan found out that one of his newest songs, ‘Someone Like You’ was charting on the radio. The crowd got to revel in the excitement and sing along.
Following that, Kahan shared a new unreleased song with the crowd and the writing that went into it. Noah Kahan has always impressed me with his songwriting. Especially when it comes to the introspective and vulnerable lyrics often encapsulating his songs. It is difficult to listen to his music and not appreciate the genius of songwriting within each one. It was special to hear more about the song and feelings behind it.
Chelsea Cutler
Kahan then told the crowd about one of the artists he dreamed of working with and how during the pandemic, that dream collaboration was fulfilled. “And she’s here tonight…” gesturing to the side where Chelsea Cutler takes the stage. The two go on to play a beautiful rendition of ‘Crazier Things.’
The night was just a building collection of special moments and this was one. The world slowed down for a little with the performance of this song. Seeing this duet live was a moment fans could have never expected but nonetheless elevated those who heard it.
Being at a show like this and taking notes and gathering thoughts on the best ways to put into words what it was like in the room was overwhelming for this concert. The repeated adjectives of special, intimate, incredible, etc. kept repeating throughout the show and honestly, they still do.
Noah Kahan creates music where the more that you listen to it, the more you appreciate it and the more beautiful it becomes. As a live act Kahan becomes larger than life seemingly effortlessly. Yes, the musician with a wide catalog of self-deprecating songs and lyrics creates this transcendent experience where the 24-year-old feels larger than life.
Listen to his music for a week leading up to the concert, and go and see. That is what it felt at the concerts that I was at.
Noah Kahan
Following the set, Kahan’s discography has stayed in my speakers and played through my headphones, and it takes me back. “Oh, this was my favorite song of the night.” The next song plays, “actually, it was this one…”
Putting into words the exact feelings that were in the room at Webster Hall is difficult. Again, I know that it was special. And how could it not be? The crowd got to be there for a monumental moment in a young artist’s life. Selling out an iconic venue two times. A venue in the city he calls his second home. A moment that the artist called his own “dream come true.” It was incredible to be there for it.
Returning to the stage for an encore, Noah Kahan chugged a beer can similar to an old Stone Cold Steve Austin clip and threw the can into the crowd. Quickly he exclaimed, “I was explicitly told not to do that…” the artist went on to express his gratitude for the night that was shared saying that he had to stop himself from breaking into tears throughout the night. Following a three song encore the band did a final bow after playing ‘Youngblood’ with giant smiles and a fading voice.
If Noah Kahan is coming to your city, do not miss it. Get tickets here.
Follow more from Noah on his website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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