Late December, my friend and I went to see Nico Play live. This is the same friend I went with for the Mehro concert, so we both knew what to expect for a live music experience. This friend had actually been the one to introduce me to Nico Play when I had asked him to recommend more Spanish-speaking musicians, so the concert felt more personal from the get-go!
While I do have experience with live music events from the past, this was my first time at Club Dada, and I didn’t know what to expect. It was so fun getting to enjoy a new venue with a new atmosphere, something I love about going to many different concerts. Getting there early, we got in line pretty close to the entrance and waited. Once the doors opened, we all filed in and chose a spot around the middle of the pit, closer to the entrance and bar.
It wasn’t too long until Alex O’aiza and his guitarist, Alex Whitcomb, came out. Neither of us had heard of O’aiza prior to this concert, but we were both ready to listen. He started with a fast song to break the ice and continued non-stop until halfway between his set to slow it down with some lower tempo songs. He then sang a cover of “Lento” by Julieta Venegas, inviting the whole crowd to sing along. Towards the end of his set, he invited his friend and fellow musician, Nina Estrada, onto the stage.
Another concert with a surprise artist! Nina Estrada had a beautiful voice and the heart of a performer. She sang songs from her debut EP, Angel, as well as her newest released song, “Crossed Out.”
Finally, the headliner, Nico Play. He came out and the whole audience cheered! I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, because the Nico Play I’m used to plays slow, acoustic songs, but he had uploaded those same songs with full backing tracks. An acoustic rendition of “La Ciruela” answered my question. Song after song, he played, and my friend and I sang along, knowing all the lyrics. Knowing his relatively short discography, my friend and I hoped he would play some unreleased music, which he did! They were just as lovely as his other songs, and I’m very excited to hear the final studio recordings.
Afterwards, Nico Play told the audience if we wanted to say hi or buy t-shirts, he would be at the merch stand. Of course my friend and I got in line. While waiting, I was thinking of things Nico Play could sign, and thought back to the posters pasted by the entrance. I asked an event staff if I could take it and he said yes! I got back in line and we waited until our turn where I got the poster signed, my friend bought merch, and we took a picture.
Overall, I had a wonderful time being introduced to Alex O’aiza and Nina Estrada’s music, as well as getting to witness Nico Play’s beautiful lyricism and voice in person.
