Laura Jane Grace is halfway through a rare, month-long acoustic tour accompanied by Weakened Friends. Her home state of Florida is getting some extra love with five shows spanning different cities throughout the state. I caught up with the tour in Orlando.
Weakened Friends gave an energetic, full-band performance to kick off the show. With their catchy tunes and engaging stage presence, the trio from Portland, Maine have been on a consistent touring schedule for the past few years. You’re sure to leave the show with a song or two of theirs stuck in your head, so if you’re planning on attending this tour, be sure not to miss their set.
Laura Jane Grace took to the stage with thunderous applause from the excited audience. Despite the venue being packed wall to wall, her performance felt cozy and intimate. Her setlist seems to change up a little bit every night, spanning acclaimed favorites and deep cuts alike from her solo work and Against Me!’s catalog. As a special touch, you might hear a new song or be able to ask for a request. A sweet moment was the dedication of “Two Coffins” to a fan in the audience who had given her artwork inspired by the song earlier that day.
The set concluded with a three-song encore that, to my surprise, included my favorite Against Me! song that I’ve never gotten to hear live, “Because of the Shame.” A rowdy sing-along of “Sink, Florida, Sink” tied it all together to close out the evening.
Acoustic tours are special opportunities to see your favorite artists step back to their basics and can give you a whole new appreciation for their songwriting. Seeing a legend like Laura Jane Grace in such a setting is not to be missed, so be sure to catch one of these shows while you can.
Laura Jane Grace
Weakened Friends
