Photos and Review by Leigha Kristina
On Sunday, April 16th, The Fillmore was treated to an incredible night of music by sister Pop duo, Aly & AJ. Supported on this tour by Miya Folick, each act delivered an unbelievable performance and created a beautiful experience for all present.
The night started early for lucky fans who attended meet and greets hosted by Aly and AJ. Both packages included early entry, a photo with the girls, and soundcheck viewing access (among a few other things that differed per package). The duo says they like to make the soundcheck a unique experience for each show on the tour. Doors eventually opened around 7:30 PM, and fans filed into the main ballroom in the venue. Miya Folick, an LA-based alternative singer-songwriter, started her set at 8 PM with her song Deadbody. She carried herself on stage so gracefully, playing guitar and singing into her mic. She was accompanied by one other person, Jacob Ungerleider, on keys. The crowd was definitely feeling Folick’s vibes, with many dancing and singing along with each song she played. Folick played a total of eight songs, including Nothing to See, Mommy, and ended her set with Get Out of My House, a recent single from her upcoming album, Roach.
After Miya Folick exited the stage, the crowd was overcome with excitement in anticipation of the main act yet to come. Crew bustled about on the stage, getting instruments and equipment ready. Finally, the lights went down and sisters Aly and AJ Michalka entered the room. Everyone was cheering loud, smiles glowing on their faces. AJ took her place at her microphone and Aly at the piano, and began playing Open to Something and That Something Is You. The girls’ setlist for the evening consisted of the entirety of their latest album, With Love From, plus a handful of other fan favorites sprinkled in. Aly and AJ gave a stunning vocal performance on each track, each while also skillfully playing the guitar. Backed by the rest of their band, they dazzled the crowd with songs about love, heartbreak, and the journey of life. Other songs on the setlist included Pretty Places, Stomach, Slow Dancing, and stripped-back renditions of Like Woah, and Church.
Toward the end of the show, Aly took a pause to ask the crowd to make the “Pledge To Ask,” a pledge that shines a light on gun violence in the United States. The girls shared their experience as survivors of last April’s mass shooting in Sacramento, where their bus was caught in the crossfire. The powerhouse duo are known to raise awareness about major issues that the country is facing, having also famously worked with The Trevor Project on previous tours. Those who made this pledge via their smartphones were also entered in a raffle for a private meet and greet with Aly and AJ after the show. Once the show resumed, fans were treated to a few more songs before the end of the night. With the grand stage setup, lighting design, and stellar setlist – fans left the Fillmore in high spirits after an uplifting show. Overall, the girls and their band played a whopping 22-song set with a two-song encore, leaving fans old and new counting down until the next time they get to experience it again. After two decades in the music business, Aly & AJ show zero signs of slowing down any time soon. The pair’s latest album, With Love From, is available everywhere you can stream music.
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