June 4th, 2024 was a night to remember for those in attendance at Chappell Roan’s performance at The Hall in Little Rock.
Chappell, whose given name is Kayleigh Amstutz, was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri a mere 2 hours from the venue. This tour marks a drastic turn in Chappell’s career as The Midwest Princess went from playing small venues and to garnering the largest crowd at every festival stop she plays.
Her 2023 album ‘The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess’ has touched the hearts of millions, and tonight was no exception. Chappell serenaded the crowd with songs that touched on her experience as a queer person growing up in the Midwest, and as a fellow queer person from the south, I must say this album fills me with pride as it should any queer listener!
Chappell started off the night with the first track from the album, ‘Femininomenon’. From the start, her lively presence and stunning vocals captured the crowd.
The night’s theme was ‘Pink Pony Club’, based on the track of the same name. True to theme, Chappell and her band wore pink - as did the entire crowd. She played the bubblegum pop track ‘Naked in Manhattan’. The song details the urge to explore one’s sexuality in a diverse and inclusive environment far from home. It encompasses both the fear and exhilaration of a new experience in a way that's reminiscent to the climax of a coming of age film. This was my first time seeing her live, and it certainly won’t be my last.
The energy in the room was unreal as Chappell sang and danced around the stage. The crowd couldn’t help following along. It was the perfect way to kick off pride month!
After playing multiple hits from ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ Chappell went back to the beginning with her 2020 single ‘Love Me Anyway’. The crowd sang along proving some day 1 fans were in the building.
Chappell ended the show on theme with ‘Pink Pony Club’, a true embodiment of her commitment to pursuing a career in this industry and bei by her authentic self no matter how others perceive her.
Chappell stole the hearts of those who got to see her perform in Little Rock, and I hope she returns soon!
