Joe P Electrifies Lincoln Hall in Chicago for His 2024 Fall Tour

Alongside Anna Shoemaker, Joe P shakes up Chicago with an Allstar performance.

Excitement filled the exemplary venue of Lincoln Hall as softly lit letters “LH” glowed and “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star played overhead. Amidst the chatter, the stage was bathed in a warm orange hue, signaling the arrival of the enchanting Anna Shoemaker as the opening act. Armed with just her acoustic guitar, Anna took to the stage, exuding a quiet confidence that belied any hint of intimidation. The seamless duet of her voice and the guitar filled the room with a captivating melody, effortlessly dispelling the silence. Despite encountering minor hiccups, Anna’s luminous talent and charisma shone through as she showcased tracks from her upcoming album and selections from her latest EP.

Shoemaker’s stage presence and giggles make her music undoubtedly enjoyable to watch. She seamlessly evokes the life of a girl in her 20s, making her totally relatable. There’s nothing better than seeing an artist’s personality take over and a crowd bounce off that energy. Once “Game of Thrones”, a track from her new record, came next to perform, the audience couldn’t help but cheer with laughter and awe as she described the track as “girl-brain”. Raw and honest in its interiority, Anna Shoemaker’s performance at Linocln Hall was sure to leave a lasting impression on both new and old fans. 

As the lights go completely dark, you feel the energy shift as the headliner, Joe P, gathers on stage with his band—the crowd crescendos into loud cheers as they await the first song to begin. Sounds of what seems to be an industrial elevator make you feel as if you’re being transported to a different dimension. Aggressively flashing lights shock the audience as the band begins to jam out in a groovy rock and roll tune. With smiles all around, their energy is electrifying as they jump around the stage, playing as loudly as possible.

It’s clear we’re in the mists of a true rockstar. Joe P’s energy is captivating, and it’s hard to look away. He shakes his curly head of hair to the beat of each tune, shuffling around in classic brown loafers strumming an electric guitar, totally encrusted in performance mode. With a soft yet strong voice, he hits every note effortlessly. Playing tracks from the album Garden State Vampire, it feels like a massive party, with not one person standing still. Without a doubt, all attention was fixed on Joe P as we witnessed a TikTok phenomenon emerge into stardom on the Lincoln Hall stage Tuesday night.

Review by Taylor Gammon for Off Record Blog.