Photo Credit: Meg Meyer for Rina Sawayama
After another terrible week of more political horror, fans flocked like wild geese to the Royale this past Thursday for the long awaited, and several times rescheduled, Dynasty Tour from multi-genre powerhouse Rina Sawayama.
Opening with a DJ set from Drag Queen Coleslaw (@coleslawinthecorner) the crowd was hyped up with classic pop bangers “We Can’t Stop”, “Complicated”, “Untouched” and “All the Things She Said”. Throughout the tracks, Coleslaw would play off of the audience while moaning into the microphone or simply twirling on stage much to the crowd’s delight. When it came time for Rina, Coleslaw began breaking down their setup, but not before stopping for an impromptu photo shoot in front of the stage backdrop, which also elicited cheers from the concertgoers.
Credit: Meg Meyer for Rina Sawayama
As 10 pm approached, the anticipation grew and grew almost to a breaking point. And then there she was. Sleek in a blood red body suit complete with matching high heels, Sawayama commanded the stage from the moment she appeared. Beginning with SAWAYAMA album opener “Dynasty”, the crowd was immediately hooked. Then she was joined by two backup dancers for album favorites “STFU”, “Akasaka Sad”, “Paradisin’” and “Bad Friend” which kept the energy alive throughout the first half with Sawayama leaving the stage at one point to change into a white cut off tank and baggy cargo pants.
During a brief interlude, voices spoke out over the crowd about ongoing injustices in our world. Women’s, POC’s, LGBT’s and immigrant’s rights were the main focus before shifting to climate change and protecting the environment. In a tongue-and-cheek turn of events, following this Rina launched into singing “Fuck This World” with the intent aimed at those fighting against progress around the globe.
Credit: Meg Meyer for Rina Sawayama
Before wrapping up, Rina sat on stage with her band mates for an intimate performance of “Chosen Family”, sang a new track dedicated to her immigrant mother “Catch Me In The Air” before closing with fan favorite “Cherry”. She returned for an encore of album standout “XS”, “LUCID” and her remix/cover of “Free Woman” by Lady Gaga.
The Dynasty Tour continues through May 13th, with Rina promising new music coming soon. Don’t forget, she’s also in the upcoming John Wick 4! Follow Rina on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more…
Credit: Meg Meyer for Rina Sawayama