On October 15th, Strawberry Guy performed at one of Tucson’s newest venues, La Rosa.
Murmurs echo off the carved wall of Tucson’s newest venue, La Rosa, a former Benedictine church restored into a stunning and ethereal venue. As I walk in, I am taken aback by the sheer acoustics, size, and beauty of the venue. Strawberry Guy has been an artist I’ve wanted to see for the longest time, and I was relieved I was finally able to see him.
The echoes of the walls come to a close as the opener steps out onto the stage. She introduces herself as Fonteyn as her flowing white dress settles around her feet. Her white dress contrasts with the vibrant, bright lights as she begins her first song. As she continues through her set, it is clear she has a clear passion and talent for singing. She starts her song “Holdin’ On” as her vibrato bounces off the intricate walls of the building. Melodic ballads reminiscent of Strawberry Guy or Bruno Major fill the ears of concertgoers as she continues to flow through her set. With her last song, her strong, reverberating vibrato came to a halt, as clapping and cheering began to rise.
Fonteyn walked off stage as the feeling of anticipation and excitement rose for Strawberry Guy. People began to get restless as this anticipation only grew more and more, until finally the orchestral instruments and their players arrived.
They took their seats, dressed in formal, all-black outfits, and began to tune their instruments. Low hums and high hollers fill the room as the lingering voices get softer and softer. Then, it was time, as Strawberry Guy hopped onto the stage.
Cheers and whistles are heard throughout his room as Strawberry Guy takes his place at the piano on stage. The minimalist setting of just a piano and the orchestra players made the whole experience feel close, intimate even. He began to speak as he played his first song, “F Song”. The low, raw indie vocals bounced perfectly off the walls of the venue as the orchestra sang along.
One of the most notable and beautiful moments of the night was the tribute to the late band “Her’s”. Strawberry Guy started with “I actually didn’t come up with the name ‘Strawberry Guy’. Stephen and Audun, members of Her’s, came up with Strawberry Guy for me.” He continued by recalling the tragic story of Her’s and dedicating the next song to them.
The all too familiar chord progression of “What Once Was” begins as gasps and “ohs” peppered throughout the crowd. In a beautiful display of music, the audience sang every word, including me, as Strawberry Guy delivered a soulful and emotional performance. The song wrapped up and was met with some of the loudest applause from the night, respectful yet firm.
The last song of the night finally came through, the popular “Mrs. Magic”. Couples danced, swayed, embraced, and stared longingly into each other’s eyes as the mystical mix of piano and strings played. From a distance, everything was peaceful; the stage, the audience, even the staff seemed to be taking one last moment to be present and experience this moment. This energy continued even after people drifted out the large wooden doors, to their cars, and on the way home. At least, I know I did.
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