Concert Reviews: Jay-Z, Billie Eilish, Vampire Weekend & More

Jay-Z
Courtesy Golden 1 Center – Jay-Z
Jay-Z draws a packed house at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., Dec. 17.
This week, for your reading enjoyment, we have compiled reviews of live performances from Jay-Z in New York; Billie Eilish in Melbourne, Australia; Vampire Weekend in Buffalo, N.Y.; Needtobreathe in Roanoke, Va.; and Aminé in Kansas City, Mo.

Jay-Z @ Webster Hall in New York, New York, April 26 – “Leaning heavily on deep cuts and fan favorites, his B-Sides shows exist uniquely outside of the star’s outsized public standing, his massive solo shows at arenas like Madison Square Garden, or his collaborative tours with Beyoncé. They offer a place where he can be free from the obligation of playing ‘03 Bonnie & Clyde,’ ‘Holy Grail,’ and ‘Empire State of Mind.’” – Sheldon Pearce / Pitchfork

Billie Eilish @ Nova Red Room in St. Kilda, Australia, May 2 – “While some in the bar shamefully spoke through softer moments like ‘When the Party’s Over,’ Eilish focused on the fact she could see her fans in front of her actually crying during the song.” – Cameron Adams / Herald Sun 

Vampire Weekend @ Asbury Hall @ Babeville in Buffalo, N.Y., April 30 – “I walked into Asbury Hall an admittedly skeptical half-fan of Vampire Weekend. I left a full-fledged convert to the cause. What an incredible night, and what a gift for the Buffalo music community. Thanks for treating us like a primary concert market, guys.” – Jeff Miers / The Buffalo News

Needtobreath @ Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke, Va., April 30 – “It was not the usual show for these guys, who have spent most of their time on the road as a loud electric rock outfit, jumping around stages instead of sitting on stools. Yet this writer, having never heard them play an electric show, also never wished they would just stand up and crank it. They sat and rocked just fine.” – Tad Dickens / The Roanoke Times 

Aminé @ University of Missouri – Kansas City in Kansas City, Mo., April 25  – “Aminé and BJ the Chicago Kid seemed to fit right in with UMKC’s roos as they hopped around the stage at last week’s Rootopia concert.” – Ciara Pate / University News, University of Missouri – Kansas City
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