Noah Kahan - Ridgefield, WA
July 1st, Ridgefield, Washington—the night Noah Kahan turned a little town into a hub of existential crises, emotional sing-alongs, and yes, even a few tears from the most hardened of PNW residents. The crowd showed up, proving that when Noah Kahan sings about seasonal depression, everyone is basically obligated to scream sing along.
As soon as Noah took the stage, it was clear we were in for a treat. With a blend of folk, pop, and lyrical therapy, he had everyone vibing like it was a support group meeting that just so happened to have some great acoustics. Noah's banter between songs was as sharp as ever, with his self deprecating humor that had every one relating to their seat mates and everyone around them.
The second stage in the middle of the crowd had the lawn crowd screaming, they were treated to two beautiful acoustic versions of “Growing Sideways” and “Best Friend”.
Highlights of the night included the emotional punch of "Homesick”, “False Confidence”, “Everywhere, Everything'“ and my particular favorite, “New Perspectives”. The crowd scream sang - loudly at that- with every single song, but when Kahan played “Forever”, the crowd quieted, and I’m pretty sure it’s because everyone was crying. Kahan wrapped the set with his louder than ever crowd with “Northern Attitude” and bubble snow flakes gently floated down to my absolute delight.
The encore was a perfect with Noah giving a heartfelt thanks to the crowd for making him feel like he belonged in the Pacific Northwest—even if only for a night. With two more songs for the crowd, another one of my favorites, “The View Between Villages” got me tearing up as so many great live shows do, and then “Stick Season” played with Vermont paper maple leaves gently fell to the ground.
As the final chords rang out and the house lights came up, it was clear that this was more than just a concert; it was group therapy, a cathartic sing-along, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to face your feelings is with a few thousand strangers, a good melody, and a super talented man with two glorious french braids.
I get it now, I get why Noah Kahan sells out EVERY SINGLE show.
