Japanese Breakfast Delivers an Enchanting Performance at the Zoo

september 2, 2025 - seattle, washington

Japanese Breakfast’s September 2nd performance at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo wasn’t just a concert, but a transportive experience. From the very first song, Michelle Zauner invited the crowd into an intimate, enchanting world with her performance of “Here is Someone”. Now Zoo Tunes is nothing new to the city of Seattle, but mixed with Michelle’s vocals and the production of the show, it felt as if the band had carved out this secret space just for us.

Zauner appeared on stage wearing a pair of black sunglasses with a pearl hanging from one lens, mimicking a tear, exuding both elegance and playfulness. The look perfectly matched the show’s tone: polished yet approachable, theatrical yet deeply human. She has always had a gift for transforming a set into more than just a lineup of songs, and this night was no exception. It was closer to watching a story unfold, one filled with joy, folklore, and moments of emotional resonance.

By the fourth song, the energy shifted into a groovier rhythm. The band leaned into a storytelling mode during “Road Head”, with Zauner almost narrating folklore to her children through music. As if these were tales passed down through generations. The balance between theater and conversation, between spectacle and sincerity, is where Japanese Breakfast shines brightest.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came during “Men in Bars”, a song originally accompanied by Jeff Bridges on the studio recording. On this tour, however, Craig Hendrix, Japanese Breakfast’s drummer, keyboardist, and longtime creative partner, stepped forward to sing Jeff’s parts alongside Zauner. The performance carried a stunning beauty, heightened by the way their voices intertwined with such ease and warmth. In that moment, it was clear how deeply collaborative energy fuels Japanese Breakfast’s artistry.

That same energy extended to the onstage partnership between Zauner and her husband, Peter Bradley. Their chemistry was undeniable. Each glance, each shared smile was a portrait of joy in its purest form. Rather than performing for the audience, they performed with each other, and the happiness radiated outward.

Zauner’s connection with the crowd was another highlight. She didn’t simply address fans between songs; she truly engaged with them. Even the youngest attendees, children scattered through the audience and at the barricade, received her attention. That inclusive spirit made the night feel less like a typical concert and more like a communal gathering. For a band that’s built its reputation on weaving together memory, storytelling, and emotion, it was fitting to see those themes reflected in the way she connected with listeners of all ages.

As the night progressed, the show took on the shape of a theater piece, structured, expressive, and rich with narrative. Yet, unlike in the theater, the audience wasn’t sitting passively in the dark. Instead, Zauner and her band pulled us into the story, making us feel like active participants. The set production only added to the ambience with the giant seashell and oceanic imagery to pull you in deeper, not only emotionally but physically.

The evening closed on a high note with an encore featuring Ginger Root, the opener on the MELANCHOLY TOUR. The collaboration brought an extra spark to the finale, blending Japanese Breakfast’s dreamlike soundscape with Ginger Root’s vibrant energy. It was a perfect ending, leaving you feeling playful and celebratory.

Japanese Breakfast’s Seattle stop at Woodland Park Zoo was more than a concert. It was a shared dream, unfolding under the stars with the city’s skyline just beyond and the whispers of the zoo around us. Zauner didn’t just perform songs; she led us through a story, rich with joy, tenderness, and imagination. And by the end of the night, the audience wasn’t just watching; we were part of the tale.