Concert Review: Priscilla Ahn @ Rio Theatre, 6/23

Priscilla Ahn performing at the Rio Theatre

Very few artists come along and completely blow me away when I see them live (especially openers). It's hard to find an artist that you can celebrate their album and live show in the same way. When I first heard Priscilla Ahn's newest album, A Good Day, I knew it was going to be one of my favorite albums of the year. What I didn't know was that her concert would be one of my favorite live shows of 2008. Priscilla Ahn's crystal-clear voice was angel-like, always pitch-perfect and consistent throughout the entire set. As she played through several songs from her debut album, I couldn't help think that I was seeing something magical.

Throughout the evening, Ahn's whimsical song introductions told stories of her life in rural Pennsylvania or urban house parties in Los Angeles. Either way, they all ended up being funny and quite endearing. Ahn's infectious giggle became the highlight of the evening. Every time she would speak, the giggle would come out. We're not sure if it's a nervous giggle, or a regular giggle but all the same, it just made us laugh.

One of the most incredible parts of the evening is when Ahn would use her vocal loop machine and sing harmonies against her own voice. These tight, intricate harmonies were haunting and beautiful. This definitely set her apart from the other Hotel Cafe crowd (Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Rachael Yamagata). Her guitar, kazoo, ukulele and harmonic playing were also flawless.

When I saw Sara Bareilles open for Aqualung in February 2007, I knew that she was going to be a huge star and now she is. My prediction is that Ahn's major success is just around the corner. That talent can't be missed nor ignored. Betting on the fact that the audience absolutely loved her, I'm thinking this is a sure thing.

Priscilla Ahn's set list:
1. Dream
2. Wallflower
3. I Don't Think So (My Sassy Song)
4. Astronauts
5. Leave the Light On
6. The Boob Song (one of my favorites but not on the album!)
7. Lullaby
8. Find My Way Back Home (on the ukulele)
9. Living in a Tree (not on the album)

Besides the Rio's "ticket-window" worker (who won the grand-prize for being the biggest asshole that I've ever worked with) the night was perfect. Walking down the dark aisle-way to the pit of this 52 year-old theatre, I knew I was going to see something special. And that I did.

Spencer and Priscilla Ahn at the Merch Table