Photos: Noah Kahan brought big emotions to Azura last Wednesday

June 10, 2024

Allison Scavo,

Noah Kahan. // photo by Allison Scavo

Noah Kahan
with Ryan Beatty
Azura Amphitheater
Wednesday, June 5

When Ryan Beatty opened for Noah Kahan Wednesday night, it was his last show of the tour. Beatty’s soulful pop music blends elements of R&B, pop, and indie. Beatty’s music often reflects his personal experiences and emotions, resonating with listeners through heartfelt lyrics and expressive melodies. He gained prominence through YouTube covers before releasing his own music and now has over one million subscribers between his platforms.

Noah Kahan is a folk-pop singer-songwriter with emotive lyrics and themes of personal growth, mental health, and life in small-town America. Kahan’s music is comprised of rich storytelling and a raw, honest approach to vulnerability and authenticity. This genuine display of sensitivity gained millions of followers as he has recently graced the For You Page of millions of TikTok users, which has undoubtedly contributed to his popularity. Kahan took the opportunity to use his platform for a good cause at Azura last Wednesday.

As an advocate for mental health, Kahan launched The Busyhead Project—named after his debut album—to raise awareness, destigmatize, and support mental health issues in partnership with organizations that promote mental health awareness, provide resources, and support those struggling with mental health challenges. A portion of each ticket sale goes to the project.

Noah Kahan. // photo by Allison Scavo

Knowing that the music leans towards the pop genre, I expected the night to be full of high energy, and exciting surface-level yet, uplifting themes. While most musicians walk on stage and announce themselves or start with a slower rhythm to ease into the show, Kahan made his entrance by running and jumping on stage playing the opening notes to “Dial Drunk.” Frenzied followers uproaoriously sang along. Kahan not only had an incredible stage presence but interacted directly with the crowd with glee. He signed a poster, made note of how many people were there and how grateful he was to be here, commented on people’s signs, and overall genuinely engaged with the audience. The vibes were vibing.

At one point, a girl behind me started crying and I couldn’t help but hear her tell her friend how happy she was. I was grateful to witness this wholesome moment of pure joy and the release of all negativity. Still under the impression that this was a fun, superficial, and exciting show, he dove right into a profoundly emotional song, centered around the pain of grief. When Noah belted out the lyric “I miss my dog,” I joined the girl behind me and began sobbing.

Ryan Beatty. // photo by Allison Scavo

Last month my dog passed and I had to bury him on Mother’s Day. I really haven’t gotten over it. I cried through the entire song, grateful for the years I got to spend with him, knowing that he was happy and carefree. What was expected to be just a lighthearted and exciting night, turned into emotional healing and soulful connection with complete strangers. Noah brought us all back to collective happiness by walking throughout the venue until he got to the soundbar. It was there he turned his back to everyone who had seats to play directly to the people seated in the lawn section of the venue for three songs.

After returning to the stage and playing a few more songs, the night was closed out with bubbles and confetti blowing onto us. It truly was a celebration of life in every aspect. Even though I was already expecting a good time, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. five out of five stars, and I’ve never said that before.

Noah Kahan

Noah Kahan setlist:

Set 1:
Dial Drunk
New Perspective
Everywhere, Everything
False Confidence
Forever
Come Over (Acoustic)
Godlight (Acoustic)
Paul Revere
All My Love
Your Needs, My Needs
The Great Divide
You’re Gonna Go Far
Homesick

B Stage mini-set:
Growing Sideways
Pain Is Cold Water
Maine
She Calls Me Back
Call Your Mom
Orange Juice
Northern Attitude

Encore:
The View Between Villages
Stick Season

Ryan Beatty