Concert Review: Christina Perri

On Saturday, April 12, Christina Perri performed at Bogart’s in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bogart’s seemed an odd location at first, as it gave off a bar-scene ambiance. However, as the night progressed, the compacted area with a small stage in the front and an open floor became the quintessential setting for Perri.

As hundreds lined up to see Perri, many were also there to watch her opening act, Birdy. The upcoming, British seventeen-year-old sensation left the crowd in awe after her performance. Despite her nervous and timid demeanor, Birdy’s falsetto captivated listeners. In addition to her angelic falsetto, Birdy exhibited her musical abilities on the piano and guitar flawlessly, as her fingers oscillated across the piano effortlessly. Her naivety on stage combined with her raw talent allowed the crowd to dwell in her graceful essence. After thirty minutes of the graceful and talented Birdy, Perri came out on stage. The two artists differ in style greatly. Birdy, the inexperienced and almost fragile seventeen-year-old, juxtaposes Perri, the experienced, quirky, and empowered twenty-four year-old. Perri performed 18 songs mixed from her previous album, Lovestrong, and her newly released album, Head or Heart. Perri’s raw-powered voice and confidence on stage made for a great show. Most singers are not capable of recreating his or her voice from CD exactly live on stage; however, Perri proved many wrong, as not only was her voice a recreation of her on CD but amplified. She too, like Birdy, demonstrated another musical inclination other than singing as she played both the piano and guitar. Both Birdy and Perri floored me with their musical abilities, but what truly struck a chord with me, pun intended, was the genuine love of music each portrayed. Today in the realm of music, most singers charge extreme prices for tickets in order to profit on top of their elaborate sets and costumes. However, the vulnerability they displayed was much more meaningful than the excess usually found at concerts. The format of the show allowed the audience to tap into the artist’s truths, which is what music is all about. Music is centered in evoking emotions and is intended to inspire. Music, similar to writing, in which one is vulnerable enough to speak his or her truth. Both Birdy and Perri did an excellent job of displaying a true genuine love for music. This show is highly revered and I would recommend it to any music lover out there. Birdy and Perri will be performing in Louisville on April 25 at the Mercury Ballroom.