Molly Grace Concert Review: An Upcoming Pop Star Visits Home

As a visually stunning yet heartwarmingly intimate performance, Molly Grace’s “But I Am A Popstar” tour is full of songs with the perfect mix of drama and joy that could brighten anyone's night.

Her sold-out show Feb. 28 at the Sinclair was opened by Claire Ernst, who was welcomed by the frequent cheers and claps from the crowd throughout her set. Ernst’s soothing jazzy style set the scene perfectly for Boston native Molly Grace, though Ernst stood out in her own right. She not only sang some of her released works, but also introduced a new and never-before-sung-live piece that she had been working on. It was the perfect combination of upbeat and relaxing to balance out the soft conversations throughout the venue. Her quippy interactions with the crowd peppered her set, with her even directing questions to the crowd: “Do you want to dance?” elicited several boisterous cheers.

Afterwards, Molly Grace’s prerecorded introduction, simulating a radio talk show giveaway, blared over the speakers. Her voice full of laughter, her recording ended with the line, “Molly, I am not calling because of the giveaway. I am calling because you need to be on stage. Like right now.”

A cheerful roar from the crowd began the moment the spotlights donned Grace’s signature shade, a vivid hot pink, supported by flashing white and blue lights. Confident, bubbly and dressed in her iconic pink sparkles, Grace opened with “Lemme” and “Mad at Her Forever,” which were both unreleased at the time, though the former was released last Friday. Her silly personality shined through her dance moves and interactions with the audience — her constant smile and efforts to acknowledge everyone in the audience with eye contact, shoutouts, and waves kept the energy high throughout the night.

From flashing lights to a few spotlights, the tone of each song was set perfectly, and accompanied by her choreography, a layer of intrigue was added to each performance. Grace has seemingly mastered a balance of choreographed and spontaneous dance moves that ensured one’s eyes were always drawn to her and her alone. She used the entirety of the stage to her advantage, interacting with various members of her band or taking moments to show off her fun dance moves.

“You know I believe in altos’ rights,” she stated before introducing an unreleased song, “Soprano.” Not only did she take time between songs to thank her former performing arts teachers, who were in the crowd, but she also often took time in between songs to chat with the audience.

In reference to a medication she takes to protect her voice, Grace explained that, “It’s not a drug. Well, it kind of is. This is called the entertainer’s secret.” Grace had to take a few breaks to sip on tea through the show, but it never detracted from her performance. The audience took to chanting her name to show their support during such instances.

Grace successfully fostered an inviting space by continuing to introduce songs with lighthearted anecdotes or jokes.

“I think in another life I would have made a really good preacher. Would y’all let me try out my preacher’s dreams tonight?” she said.

The crowd was more than willing to oblige, and erupted into cheers, forming a subsequent choir when directed by Grace to sing along.

As a special gift and ode to her home, she performed her song “Red Line” for the first time on her tour. Her set was balanced by a series of upbeat pop tunes, and her more soulful songs, such as “What If I (The Grocery Store Song).”

In a tactful move, Grace ended the show with the songs that threw her into the limelight in the first place, including “Lady Lady.” For the encore, the crowd joined Grace for her last song, “F.E.M.M.E.” As the band played a rift to accompany her on her exit, she made sure to send a series of heart hands and waves out into the crowd. Grace was nothing short of enchanting during her performance at The Sinclair, and she is sure to be welcomed back by her hometown for years to come.

—Staff writer Emma D.D. Pham-Tran can be reached at emma.phamtran@thecrimson.com.