On June 30, Samantha Crain brought her unique blend of folk and blues to the intimate venue of Kilby Court, captivating an audience that leaned heavily towards the local granola-hipster demographic.
Dressed in sparkly trousers and a striking red, embroidered jacket, Crain opened her set with ‘Dragonfly,’ a track from her new album ‘Gumshoe.’ The energy in the room shifted dramatically as patrons flocked to the stage, creating a cozy atmosphere that only a small venue can provide.
As she took to the microphone, Crain shared her excitement about the word ‘gumshoe’ making it into her discography— a favorite from her childhood inspired by the Carmen Sandiego series. Her lighthearted comments set the tone for the performance, blending charm with musical talent.
Crain’s vocal ability stood out from the start. Though she initially appeared timid, her storytelling prowess and stage presence commanded the audience’s attention. Much like Bob Dylan redefined folk music with the introduction of electric guitar, Crain pushed the boundaries of the genre with her bluesy folk sound and electric influences.
With lyrics that resembled poetic whispers, Crain’s performance felt deeply personal. Lines like ‘this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine’ illustrated her gradual transition from shyness to artistic freedom as she allowed herself to connect emotionally with the crowd. Each word was palpable, resonating with the audience in a way that extended beyond music.
Audience members were swept up in the performance, often moving with the rhythm and responding with shouting and applause. The communal atmosphere was electric, as Crain enlisted samples of Choctaw social dance songs and maintained a light banter between her songs. She acknowledged her ‘stage fright,’ but any hint of nervousness was overshadowed by her compelling performance.
“If you don’t speak Choctaw, then you’ll at least feel what I’m singing about,” she remarked, setting the stage for a powerful moment.
Halfway through her set, Crain performed “When We Remain,” a significant song sung in the Choctaw language. The room filled with emotion, transcending language barriers. Despite the audience’s potential unfamiliarity with the words, the raw emotion conveyed through her performance created a shared experience that felt deeply moving.
As the set progressed, Crain transitioned to ‘An Echo,’ a track from her 2020 album ‘A Small Death.’ The gentle sway of the song allowed listeners to gaze into Crain’s soul, providing a cathartic experience that concluded with a strong emotional release.
The night reached a fulfilling conclusion with the song ‘Pastime.’ Crain exited the stage, leaving the crowd buzzing with the intensity of her lyrics and the heartfelt energy she had brought to Kilby Court.
As house lights flickered back on and the music continued from the speakers, it became clear that the audience was not only satisfied but eager for another opportunity to see Crain perform live. Many shared the sentiment of wanting more of the poignant experience she provided.
For those lucky enough to have attended, the show will remain a memorable one. Crain’s artistry resonated on numerous levels, successfully blending elements of her heritage with contemporary sound. Attendees are left eagerly anticipating her return to the Kilby stage.
image source from：dailyutahchronicle
