If you were lucky enough to see Muna at their party-starting set at Pitchfork earlier this year – or during their many other previous stops in Chicago and beyond – then you are already familiar with Katie Gavin’s many talents. As the band’s vocalist, Gavin brings an infectious energy that pulls fans into Muna’s life-affirming orbit by putting on a stellar performance that makes every member of the audience feel included.
During a Dec. 18 stop at Thalia Hall – which marked the end of her tour in support of her debut solo album, What a Relief – Gavin built upon this legacy with a more intimate vibe, inspiring smiles, tears, and connection throughout the headlining set.
“It just feels meaningful to end this tour in the city where I’m from,” said Gavin at the top of the show, adding in a demure voice, “Well, I’m from the suburbs.” She continued, “We’re just gonna play a lot of songs tonight from the record. And we can talk in between. We can chitchat.”
The introspective song “Today” served as the opener and “Sparrow,” which Gavin explained is a metaphor for climate change, soon followed. “Casual Drug Use” set the stage for the first big sing-along of the night with it’s catchy chorus about love and self-medicating.
One of the most poignant moments of the night came during “Sweet Abby Girl,” a tender, reflective song about loving and losing a beloved pet.
“I wrote this song after my dog passed away and I was really bowled over by the grief and really shocked. I’d never gone through losing a pet that was my child and I posted a clip of this song on Instagram stories and I got so many responses. There was so many people offering advice or telling me stories about their dogs. It actually moved me forward in the grief process,” said Gavin. “So, if this is for you tonight, then it’s for you.”
Throughout the performance Gavin was joined by Nana Adjoa – an Amsterdam-based singer-songwriter who performed an opening set earlier in the night – as well as a rotating roster of talented musicians, which Gavin referred to as “a parade of people I love.” This included two of Gavin’s former violin instructors who joined in on such songs as “Inconsolable” and “I Want it All.” “She Gives Me Feelings,” “As Good As It Gets,” and “Aftertaste” also appeared on the evening’s setlist.
With What a Relief and this solo tour, Gavin has further welcomed fans into her artistry, building a community of blossoming friendships along the way. The audience was peppered with groups wearing matching outfits or donning strawberry hats – which Gavin, who has a strawberry teapot on stage, complimented. A familial, warm feeling permeated the premises making the sold-out show perfect for the holiday season.
Check out photos from Katie Gavin’s Dec. 18 set in Chicago – featuring support from Nana Adjoa – below and click here to pick-up a copy of What a Relief. More information can be found at Katiegavin.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
