Show Review & Photos: Macklemore w/Lace Cadence & The Residency @ Climate Pledge Arena

Macklemore’s Hometown Glory: A Riveting Night of Hits, Surprises, and Unmatched Energy at Climate Pledge Arena -12/22/23

By Diane Webb

Macklemore

Macklemore – photo by Diane Webb

On Friday, December 22, 2023, Macklemore electrified the Climate Pledge Arena with the second sold-out show of his Ben tour, marking a triumphant return to his hometown stage.

The evening started with an impressive lineup from The Residency Alumni, featuring the artists Tah-Jae Shante, Rosé Prosecco, Flourish Maxzeal, Crissy P, and Tazz Enrico.

Lace Cadence, the celebrated Seattle DJ, and KEXP Radio Host, then took the stage, setting the crowd on fire with a mix of beats spanning decades and genres. His set paid homage to local Seattle artists, drawing thunderous cheers from the appreciative audience.

Macklemore Ken Workman

Ken Workman – Photo By Diane Webb

Before Macklemore’s grand entrance, Ken Workman, a direct descendant of Chief Si’ahl of the Duwamish tribe, delivered a local land acknowledgement along with a heartfelt blessing, adding a touch of cultural reverence to the night.

As the lights dimmed, the crowd pressed closer to the stage, and the LED backdrop showcased iconic Seattle landmarks, signaling a concert dedicated to the city and its people. Macklemore began with “CHANT” from his 2023 album “BEN.” In an awe-inspiring visual display, he was lifted into the air on a platform amid bursts of vibrant pyrotechnic flames.

The show unfolded with memorable moments, including Macklemore’s goddaughter introducing the hit “Thrift Store.” Decked out in his signature knee-length fur coat, this time in leopard print, he shared the stage with Wanz, who sported a white suit, Santa hat, and sunglasses. Costume changes throughout the night mirrored his hit songs, ranging from fringed leather jackets to sequined gloves and even golf-themed white shoes.

The concert was a visual spectacle with rainbow-colored confetti, pyrotechnics, dancers, and water guns that Macklemore joyfully sprayed on the audience during “No Bad Days.” The special appearance of Mary Lambert in a sparkling sequined dress during “Same Love” further intensified the feeling of unity throughout the venue.

In a particularly poignant moment, Macklemore rode a motorcycle above the crowd during “Downtown,” joined by Eric “Full Moon” Nally on vocals. Transitioning to the second stage, he delivered a powerful performance of “Otherside” while acknowledging a group of kids from the Recovery Center of Seattle, and expressing support for their journey to sobriety.

The concert was a nostalgic journey through Macklemore’s extensive catalog, blending newer tracks from the “BEN” album with timeless classics. The artist’s love for Seattle and his fans was palpable, creating an atmosphere of celebration and connection.

The unforgettable night concluded with a high-energy rendition of “Can’t Hold Us,” one of Macklemore’s fan favorites, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of the extraordinary performance and a hometown hero’s triumphant return.

Macklemore – photos by Diane Webb

Lace Cadence – photos by Diane Webb

The ResidencyTah-Jae ShanteRosé Prosecco photos by Diane Webb

Photos: Courtney Fortune & David Benoit @ Jazz Alley

Courtney Fortune & David Benoit @ Jazz Alley – 12/21/2023
Photos by Kirk Stauffer

Returning for an annual holiday event, Courtney Fortune and David Benoit performed their “Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown” show at Jazz Alley.  The five sold-out performances attest to its overwhelming popularity.  Joining the contemporary jazz pianist were Roberto Vally (bass) and Dan Schnelle (drums).

Courtney Fortune & David Benoit – Photos by Kirk Stauffer

Show Review & Photos: Enrique Iglesias w/Pitbull & Ricky Martin @ Climate Pledge Arena

Seattle’s Ritmo Extravaganza: The Trilogy Tour’s Unforgettable Night of Passionate Performances! -12/8/23

By Diane Webb

Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias – photo by Diane Webb

On December 8, 2023, the heart of Seattle raced to a rhythm it had never heard before as The Trilogy Tour descended upon the awe-inspiring Climate Pledge Arena. Brace yourselves, because Ricky Martin, Pitbull, and Enrique Iglesias delivered a ritmo-filled spectacle that left the city trembling and its audience electrified.

Picture an expansive stage adorned with elevated drum kits, a platform embellished with stairs, mammoth LED screens painting captivating backdrops, and CO2 jets unleashing monumental bursts into the stratosphere. But hold on, the excitement didn’t stop there! A thoughtfully positioned second stage at the arena’s rear ensured that fans were not just spectators but active participants, enjoying an up-close-and-personal connection with their musical idols throughout this extraordinary, sensational show.

The audience, a diverse sea ranging from the youthful to the seasoned, clad in sequins, suits, and Seattle’s trademark casual chic, created a vibrant tapestry of anticipation.

The concert, a melting pot of Spanish, Cuban, and Puerto Rican musical flavors, ignited a unique and contagious energy that had everyone on their feet, dancing in the aisles from start to finish. The palpable love between the performers and their adoring fans painted a vivid portrait of unity and joy.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin, the show’s opening dynamo, unleashed a high-octane performance, traversing the stage with exuberant dancing, gravity-defying jumps, and infectious smiles that seemed to radiate through every corner of the arena. From his Menudo days in the ’80s to the present, Martin’s charisma has only intensified. Hits like “Pégate,” “Shake Your Bon-Bon,” “She Bangs,” and “Livin’ la Vida Loca” transformed the arena into a pulsating dance floor.

Pitbull, the maestro of the party, burst onto the stage in a sleek black tailored suit, flanked by a squad of seductive dancers. Thunderous cheers greeted him, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. With CO2 jets creating explosive punctuation marks, Pitbull’s energetic performance featured hits like “Don’t Stop the Party,” “Hotel Room Service,” and “Time of Our Lives,” turning the arena into a feverish dance haven.

Pitbull

In the interludes, as fans basked in the afterglow of two remarkable performances, the anticipation for the headliner, Enrique Iglesias, hung thick in the air. As the lights dimmed, a slow buildup ushered in Iglesias, triggering a pandemonium of cheers, hands in the air, and an ecstatic sea of dancing fans.

Known for his special bond with the audience, Iglesias seized the evening with electrifying interactions. From one fan tossing a can of Truly to Iglesias to him tossing it to another eager fan who happily consumed it, to traversing the stage repeatedly, ensuring every fan felt the proximity of their idol, Iglesias’ showmanship was nothing short of endearing and exhilarating. Hits like “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You),” “Bailamos,” “Súbeme la radio,” and “Escape” serenaded the audience, leaving an indelible imprint on the ritmo-filled landscape of Seattle.

The Trilogy Tour was not just a concert; it was a seismic event that fused music, passion, and unbridled energy, leaving Seattle forever changed. As the echoes of the night reverberate, one thing is certain: the memory of The Trilogy Tour will linger in the hearts of Seattleites, an anthem of a night when the city danced to a triple beat that resonated in every soul.

Enrique Iglesias – photos by Diane Webb

Pitbull – photos by Diane Webb

Ricky Martin – photos by Diane Webb