Concert Review: Sammy Rae & Friends Bring StoryTime To Brooklyn Steel
As Sammy Rae & Friends sat on the floor like it was a public sleepover and someone was about to pop out the Cheetos and Quija board, the night felt solidified in sitcom energy. We were watching a live-action That 90s show, where a bunch young twenty-somethings jammed over pop-culture references and dreams. Hence, having a sold-out Brooklyn Steel show felt destined for them because they like each other, and we like them.
While each band member performed to the crowd, they moved around the stage like it was their shared apartment, and they simply HAD to tell each other inside jokes and what happened in their day. They were constantly riffing their instruments and between each other, which only made me want to yell out, “TELL ME THE GOSSIP!” It was the equivalent to going out by yourself, and seeing a group of friends hang out: it just makes you miss your buddies more or wonder why Margarita Night is not as lively. When you see a group of people GENUINELY like each other, it shakes you because that is what we want. Add on that they write music about friendship and the odd observances you and your motley crew make about life and love amidst junk food, tv-binges, and chit chats.
Till this day, I marvel at some of the BRILLIANTLY ENLIGHTENING things people have said to me during beer pong matches or as I sat on a bed of coats while they smoked weed and chilled a room full of Anime posters. Yes, like has a funny way of showing you wisdom finds its bigger nuggets in smaller moments, and, live, songs such as “The Feeling” and “Kick It To Me” felt filled with the tiny details that lead to big epiphanies. Amongst the many props lead singer would whip out to magically entertain us like she was moving, single-woman rendition of the Chronicles of Narnia, the storybook felt the most appropriate because her songs are all tall tales. Each one played like a Millennial Myth on how a single day can turn a richer one, even if you feel broke or broken.
As Sammy Rae scaled through notes that turned lyrics fro oceanic calm to emotional tsunamis, I kept on thinking of Billy Joel. She was the Piano Woman and her friends moved and strummed through instrumentation like the wild characters she met in every song. It was a fun watch because they not only gave us good music; they gave us a good goal for friendship. For More Information On Sammy Rae & Friends Click Here.