Pop Break Live: Ashlee Simpson & Evan Ross at The Bowery Ballroom in NYC
Words & Photos by Allison Socol
It was a windy and freezing cold Monday night in the borough of Manhattan. And by freezing cold- I mean that you’re unsure which will happen first-you getting blown away, or your nose freezing and fall right off?
It was a little past 7:30 PM. The sun had already gone down, and the streets were crowded with the usual stop-and-go traffic, creating a sporadic glow of red. Besides for those lights on the road, the only other light on the street was from a store-front next door, though it was imminent ‘closing time’ was upon it; with the bar stools on table tops-the universal sign that ‘it’s getting late’. I quickly noticed that two lines of people were starting to form against a wall, and joined one of them.
There was no way to tell who was a long-time listener, a new fan, came alone or with a group of friends, or had never even heard of the two artists that would be playing. Though they had all gathered at the same place that night. To enjoy music and have a good time, at The Bowery Ballroom, NYC.
There was a lot of early 2000s vibes happening, from the outfits people were wearing, to the background music being played while everyone waited for Ashlee + Evan to grace the stage. Scattered around the room Baker boy hats, those wearing old band t-shirts, and skater-sneakers could be seen.
The venue room slowly-then all at once, started to fill up, there was a low hum of people talking, laughing, and telling those around them how excited they are to see their favorite artists, live for the first time, or for the sixth time. The lights began to dim, and it was then that I knew I, and everyone in this room, was in for an amazing night.
It was now a little past 9pm, the stage was being set up-and the set list was tapped to the floor. It seemed that everyone was waiting anxiously and excited, therefore the crowd wasn’t talking as much as before. All of a sudden ‘the crowd went wild’ as they spotted Ashlee, and then Evan, walking on to the stage. Ashlee kept expressing how appreciative she was for everyone coming out to see her and her husband Evan Ross, married since 2014.>
This was the first time Ashlee + Evan were touring as a duo, and this was their first show of the tour.
It was like watching a really nicely choreographed and perfectly timed dance-watching Ashlee and Evan as they sang together, then both gave each other their own stage time-getting their own time separately and privately with the audience-singing their own ‘throwback’ songs and song mashups.
The last album Ashlee Simpson came out with was back in 2008, titled Bittersweet World. It has been a decade since, and it was so good to see Ashlee back in her element. She beautifully resurrected those popular songs like ‘Pieces of Me,’ ‘Boyfriend,’ and ‘La La’.
Everyone was dancing, singing, and you could tell people were starting to unwind from their long day, feeling free and relaxed.
There were those who were singing along to every lyric. And there were even people who were standing still, staring in awe at the stage-trying to take in what they were hearing and seeing, all at once.
Most were doing all three.
“You make me feel so good being back!” said Ashlee. She expressed how she couldn’t believe how she’s seeing so many people who she hasn’t seen in so long, and that she felt so good and really humbled to see how many people came out to see them, both.
Just watching them vibe so well together and being so happy, I just couldn’t help but feel the exact same way. The way they both complimented each other on stage, dancing together and being just cute, made for a more intimate experience.
Then, the last note was played, and Evan jumped into the crowd, and everyone instantly made way for him to walk through. It was like he disappeared into the abyss, and everyone looked around trying to see if he would pop out from somewhere else. But alas, he did not-and everyone seemed to know what that meant.
The lights turned back on, but this time it wasn’t dim like the last time.
With the amount of enthusiasm, soul, and spirit they put into their music and the way they graced the stage that night….I highly recommend that you do not sleep on the chance to see Ashlee + Evan if they come to your area!
Do not.
And even if they aren’t coming to your town, you gotta check out their songs!
The tour will be coming to a few different locations over the next week:
Upcoming Tour Dates:
January 12 – Chicago, IL
January 14 – Dallas, TX
January 17 San Fransisco, CA
January 18 – West Hollywood, CA
