Arlo Parks @ Thalia Hall

chicago, il - march 16, 2024

Midway through her My Soft Machine, Arlo Parks showed her high energy to a sold-out crowd at Thalia Hall on Saturday, March 16, 2024. 

The critically acclaimed singer stands as a luminary in the contemporary music scene, her profound and poetic lyricism resonates deeply with so many people. Parks crafts intricate narratives with introspective reflections that are so moving because they’re so relatable.  Fans swayed and jumped to the songs, and sang along to every word.

Chloe George, the opening act, described Parks’ show best “[It’sa] like medicine for all of us.” 

The soft lighting and low rhythmic beats set the tone as Parks graced the stage, making sure to connect with the crowd. Parks spent the majority of her set as close to the fans as possible, leaning down on the edge of the stage and making sure to keep eye contact with everyone. It was like she was floating across the stage, beaming with energy fed to her by the fans.

Every song she sang was intentional, from her hits like ‘Weightless’ and ‘Too Good,’ but the stand-out performance was the song ‘Black Dog’. Parks dedicated the song to a fan who passed away soon after her previous show in Chicago, the cousin of the fan was in attendance in honor of her.

Parks ended the show with ‘Softly’ allowing her band to be highlighted as she gave them the spotlight. After the show ended, many fans stayed behind to talk with each other and dance to the background music, something that is so special during shows, meeting new people who share the same love for music.

If attending Parks’ show in person is inaccessible, her KEXP session is a great way to bring the liveliness of her set to the small screen.