Approaching the Oak Cliff Gem, Kessler Theatre, set the scene for the performance that I was about to watch. The local guitar shops next to the boutiques that we passed on the way into the theater prepared me for the vintage acoustics that awaited me inside. After checking in, we were led to the VIP seating next to some friends of the band. I took a minute to glance around the room and bask in the beauty of the Kessler Theatre. It has been so long since I’ve seen people sit in one room and talk to each other about their love of this 90’s band. There wasn’t a phone in sight—only people reminiscing the songs of Sixpence None the Richer over glasses of chardonnay. Candles sat on each table, setting the mood for the show ahead.
In walked the opener, Somebody Someone, an indie artist specializing in deeply personal songs about her life. Her eye-catching yellow linen suit complemented her prominent vocals, which were about to leave the audience wanting more. She was the first artist I have ever seen to take her shoes off on stage and make an effort to feel comfortable performing in front of such a large audience. She would take moments before songs to acknowledge the love and acceptance that she wanted the audience to feel through her songs. Hearing that she wrote songs for her friends to uplift them during times of trauma, made me grow a newfound respect toward the artist. As she began to play the piano, I was transported to a feeling I’ve felt often in high school. The feeling of comfort and warmth when my hometown friends, vulnerably, would introduce me to songs they wrote about their raw emotions after heartbreak. It genuinely felt like I was sitting in the bedroom of one of my friends, shoes off, no phones, admiring the freedom they felt when they arranged their personal thoughts into song. The audience silently felt every word of each song that was written about her life events. She touched every heart that night.
After a standing ovation, Somebody Someone left the stage and prepared the audience for the main act. We cheered as Dale Baker, the former Sixpence None The Richer drummer walked onto the stage and waved to his friends sitting right next to me. The audience roared as the rest of the band made their way onto the stage. Leigh Nash, the lead singer, began sharing her personal connection to Dallas. She shared her stories of how she would make the drive up from New Braunfels in high school for concerts. Her excitement to play her favorite town showed as the band immediately kicked into full swing. Every band member was completely in their element, complementing the rhythm of each other’s instruments with their own. The instrumentals were mature and have clearly been developed by industry professionals. It was evident that everyone had mastered their respective instruments. The audience swooned as Leigh Nash sang their nostalgic classics “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” “There She Goes,” and “Kiss Me.”
The soft melody of “Kiss Me” brings me back to when I would listen to the song while flipping pumpkin pancakes and go for a stroll in the park last autumn. When the days would shift from summer to fall, I had a tradition of including more Sixpence None the Richer into my daily playlist. Since I haven’t had the chance to enjoy the fall weather yet (with the chaos of school), the concert was a reminder for me to take some time to slow down and enjoy the nostalgic feeling that fall brings. Every audience member stood and sang along with Leigh Nash for the last few well-known classics, bringing the crowd together. I immersed myself in the vibrations of each instrument as I felt their harmony fill my body with bliss. The songs brought back sweet memories and welcomed new ones. That night, I left the theater feeling hopeful, inspired, and richer.
