Pop Break Live: Valerie June ‘The Moon and Stars Tour’ at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA on April 22, 2022.
Memphis singer-songwriter Valerie June made a stop to Exhibition Hall at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA on 4/22. The Grammy-nominated artist is on tour in support of her critically acclaimed album, The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, released in March 2021. It landed on many 2021 best albums lists and even earned her a grammy nod for the song Call Me A Fool.
Longwood Garden’s Exhibition Hall is visually stunning, so much so that June proclaimed it was the most beautiful venue she’s ever played! About 15 minutes before the show we heard the pipped in sounds of wind chimes and birds. Later on in the show June told the crowd she had recorded it in her own backyard. It was like bringing a little slice of home on tour with her.
For nearly 1 hour and 40 minutes, she captivated the sold out audience with her Southern charm. She was actually quite funny as well. Her unique vintage sound is a mix of folk, country, soul, and blues. There were times if you just closed your eyes you’d feel like you were transported to a different time.
The setlist was a nice mix of new and old. She played a few songs from her stellar album Pushin Against the Stone that included “Tennessee Time” and “Workin Woman Blues” in which she dedicated it to all the goddesses in the audience and the woman in their lives. June switched between her guitar and banjo during her set and was backed by just a drummer and guitarist but their sound was big! Their chemistry was great and was especially obvious when they jammed on the song “Shakedown.”
Her banter with the crowd during the night was heartfelt and uplifting. She talked about following your dreams, as impossible as they may seem at the time, and the power of positivity. June said to try and extract the beauty in the small moments during our day, even in the difficult times in the world right now. It’s all about heart, soul and spirit she told the audience.
There were many highlights during the night. She honored Earth Day by singing Louie Armstrong’s classic, “What a Wonderful World.” It was a really special moment, especially with the audience singing along towards the end and sung in such a breathtaking venue. Another highlight was a story on how some song lyrics just randomly come to her. June said she was in her kitchen cutting carrots and out of nowhere she heard a little voice say “is there a light inside you, can’t touch?” Was it the carrots? Was it a voice in her head? She embellished the story and got lots of laughs out of it. The story was a segue into the song she was talking about, “Astral Planes.” It’s a big fan favorite and got some people up and dancing.
The night ended with “Somebody to Love” and “Drink Up And Go Home”. It was a can’t miss type of night. The audience was extremely appreciative and enthusiastic the entire set, the venue was stunning and fans got to witness the magic that is Valerie June.
