It has been a great week for music fans in Louisiana, especially in New Orleans with concerts from Alabama Shakes and Hozier. Most recently, the well-loved rock band Vampire Weekend made an appearance at the Saenger Theatre to turn the concert venue into the band’s own “Harmony Hall.”
The Grammy-winning band performed on Sept. 24 as part of its “Only God Was Above Us” tour. The album was released back in April of last year and was named one of Billboard’s top rock & alternative albums of the year.
The Saenger was packed full of fans of all ages talking excitedly amongst themselves. To signal the beginning of the concert, a curtain dropped dramatically to reveal an enormous “Vampire Weekend” sign, which was met with resounding applause.
The show started with the band playing “Hold on Now” and “Holiday.” Lead vocalist Ezra Koenig then said in his opening speech that he was very glad to be playing in New Orleans again. Other songs played at the concert include “Capricorn,” “A-Punk,” “Oxford Comma” and “Campus.”
Another song Vampire Weekend played was its song “One,” which functions as call and response when in concert. When Koenig sings the lyrics “Blake’s got a new face,” the audience repeats the phrase back by singing it at the top of their lungs.
The stage lights suddenly shifted as the beat of “One” kicked in, and the sign with the band’s name fell to the ground. This dramatic change revealed the rest of the band and a tunnel-like set. Once again, because of the set change, the audience went wild.
Vampire Weekend closed the concert with the last song on its newest album, entitled “Hope.” The band invited its audience to sing along to the line “I hope you let it go.” As they did so, the stage shifted a third time to reveal a large disco ball, bathing the audience with streaks of lights.
As “Hope” came to a close, each member gradually stopped playing and left the stage. Bassist Chris Baio was left alone onstage, playing a beautiful solo melody that gradually faded away as the stage lights dimmed.
As its encore, Vampire Weekend asked the audience for song suggestions. This tradition typically involves the audience asking for deep cuts by the band, but this time, Koenig encouraged audience members to ask for any song.
The eager audience members did not disappoint with their suggestions. A girl with a sign declaring it was her birthday asked for “Just like Heaven” by the Cure. Other audience members requested songs like “505” by Arctic Monkeys, “Changes” by David Bowie and “Dreams” by The Cranberries.
To end the night for its crowd of cheering fans, Vampire Weekend closed with another popular song, “Walcott.” After the final song, the audience made their way out of the Saenger, some vying for the merch available and others taking photos to remember the night.
Vampire Weekend’s next concert is set for Nov. 7 in Scottsdale, AZ.
