Reviews: Camila Cabello, David Byrne, Yanni & More

This week, for your reading enjoyment, we have compiled critical reviews of live performances from Camila Cabello in Milwaukee; David Byrne in Dallas; Yanni in Clearwater, Fla.; Ministry in Montclair, N.J.; Joe Bonamassa in Reading, Penn.; and Brantley Gilbert in Salem, Mass.

Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP – Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello was nominated for best new pop artist for the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Forum in Los Angeles March 11.

Camila Cabello @ Riverside Theater in Winona, Minn., April 21 – “Across a 75-minute show at a near-capacity Riverside Theater Saturday, the former Fifth Harmony singer tried to prove she has everything you could ever want in a pop star: soaring vocals, slick dance moves, vulnerability, confidence. For the most part, she succeeded.” – Piet Levy / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

David Byrne @ Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas, April 24 – “Byrne transformed his band into moving stage props. The musicians’ movements, combined changes in stage lighting, altered the scenery and the vibe of the show on every song. It was visually dramatic and bold in its execution.” – Wanz Dover / Dallas Observer

Yanni @ Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Fla., April 24 – “Inevitably, some of it sounded sappy and safe, as his critics are wont to complain. A couple of songs got lost in their own romantic sway, the slow crescendo of the piano and orchestra begging to soundtrack a gratuitous sex scene on a beach. But some of it was technically impressive, even at times thrilling. A generous bandleader, Yanni gave almost every player an extended moment in the spotlight.” – Jay Cridlin / Tampa Bay Times

– Ministry of Sound
Peking Duk

Ministry @ The Wellmont Theater in Montclair, N.J., April 21 – “As he screams into a megaphone, mouths along with the soundbites and mocks traditional rock frontman poses, Jourgensen seems to be enjoying himself. Unlike some past tours, during which he was an intimidating, but antagonistic presence onstage (plagued by depression, bleeding ulcers and alcoholism), Uncle Al has no intention of waging war with the crowd. The show is far more unifying than divisive and the screenshots include an audience cam that encourages inclusivity. Let’s all be joyously contemptuous together, is the implied message.” – Jon Wiederhorn / Loudwire

Joe Bonamassa @ Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading, Penn., April 23 – “While Bonamassa has gained fame for being one of the best blues guitarists, he shared the stage with some of the most talented and notable musicians as his backing band. A seven-piece back band supports Bonamassa on the road including Reese Wynans (keyboards), who has shared the stage with musicians such as guitarist Dickey Betts and guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan.” – Lauren Rosier / Reading Eagle

Brantley Gilbert @ Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va., April 20 – “It wasn’t for lack of energy and crowd connection that the shed was a bit less than full. Gilbert was all motion and engagement, with a voice that handled gruff and smooth equally well, and a powerful quintet to back him.” – Tad Dickens / The Roanoke Times