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10/07/2023

Reneé Rapp with Alexander 23 and Towa Bird at Roseland Theater on 10/06/2023 / Photos and Review

By CHRISTINA HALL // Reneé Rapp's first tour was a night of energetic performances. Reneé's heartfelt connection with the audience made for an unforgettable evening, leaving a mark with her fans and Portland.

Reneé Rapp visited Portland for the first time at Roseland Theater for her Snow Hard Feelings. This is her first tour showcasing her debut album, “Snow Angel.” She was joined by Alexander 23 and Towa Bird in support.

The venue was surprisingly full early on, the night kicked off by Towa Bird, a half-Filipino, half-English artist who self-describes herself as “if 70s Classic Rock and 90s Britpop had a baby and the baby was queer, Asian and a woman.” Towa and her band were passionate throughout the set with guitar riffs that complimented her soothing voice. She eventually jumped off stage and performed on the barricade, interacting with fans. Towa Bird ended her set with the song, Drain Me, from her upcoming debut album, “American Hero”.

After a short intermission, Alexander 23 took the stage. The producer of Reneé Rapp’s album brought his own singer/songwriter talent backed by impressive falsettos and what felt like pop-punk drums licks. The Chicago-native was very interactive with the crowd and playful with his bandmates throughout the set. He got the crowd singing to a cover of One Direction’s Steal My Girl and later congratulated Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship. Alexander concluded his set with the IDK You Yet ending with a drawn-out jam as if he didn’t want to leave the stage.

The stage later became adorned with mounds of flowers and a large LED screen that would eventually flash through pictures of Reneé Rapp in her youth. She eventually took the stage supported by a full band and kicked off her set with Talk Too Much. She was all smiles throughout the set, thoroughly enjoying herself. Before her song Willow, she chatted with the crowd and even security, showing full appreciation for those present. Shortly after, she brought out a small bisexual flag.

The crowd was full of feminine energy and sang along to Pretty Girls. Towa Bird later came back to the stage to play guitar for Tummy Hurts. The two stuck closely together never more than an arm's length away. Reneé asked a fan to introduce Too Well, explaining that she doesn’t love performing it and needed something to get her excited about it. The live arrangement of the song allowed some respite for Reneé, who impressively had been belting out with emotion the entire set.

She mentioned that Wedding Song was her favorite of the set. Then Alexander 23 came back to the stage as both sat on the floor and played sweetly, I Wish. Her setlist was divided into seasons, eventually ending in Winter leading to her encore of Snow Angel. She stood on a platform in all white with large angel wings on the screen. Various fans were wearing light-up halos that complimented the theme.

Reneé Rapp's first tour was a night of energetic performances. Reneé's heartfelt connection with the audience made for an unforgettable evening, leaving a mark with her fans and Portland.

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