Richmond, VA – As 2022 winds down, so does the touring schedule for many artists. On December 11, 2022, Ana Popovic kicked off her last tour week of the year and took the Tin Pan by storm. It has been a mega tour year, as Ana had approximately 150 tour dates throughout Europe and North America. This leg of the tour had a strong support team, including, Jerry Kelley (Drums), Buthel Burns (Bass), Evan Knight (Sax), Jordan Carr (Trumpet), and Polo the Vibe (Keys).
After a brief, funky and jazzy instrumental intro, Ana took the stage, snatched her iconic ’64 Strat and kicked off the night with a fan favorite, “Can You Stand the Heat” from her 2013 album of the same name. If you know anything about Ana and her shows, she makes sure every member of the band has the chance to shine. During the opening piece, long time bassist Buthel Bass slapped a little funk and Kelley showed off his prowess on the drums.
Without wasting any time, they blasted “Object of Obsession“, also from Can You Stand the Heat followed by “Love You Tonight” from Trilogy. One would think half the year on the road would be exhausting, but the energy on stage and in the audience could have lit up the city of Richmond for a week.
The middle of the set included “New Coat of Paint“, “Fencewalk“, and a very brutal “Brand New Man“. Polo had the chance to wow the crowd with a hardcore keys solo adding to the energy. I must say, and I do not speak from experience of course, “Brand New Man” could be the battle song for many a woman and my gut tells me the ‘tude would be an eye opener for many.
Before going into “I Like It on Top“, Ana introduced her band. Their closeness has been obvious in each of my three previous opportunities to catch her live. This near-tour-ending show was no exception and before wrapping up this song there was an epic strings and winds trio that kicked ass!
A Buthel bass solo rocked the house during “Lasting Kind of Love“, also from her Like It on Top album. Not to be outdone, Kelley showed off a bit on the drums as well. This was fun!
Rounding out the night we were treated to “Last Thing I Do“, “Mo’ Better Love“, and “We Can Change the World“. With the last note, the near capacity Tin Pan crowd stood and cheered, the band took a bow, and it was over.
I have covered Ana several times and have always been taken aback, not only by her performance and the tightness of the band, but also with her respect and interaction with her fans. After the show she took the time at the merch table to talk with or snap a photo with the fans that had come to see her. It is a lot to be on the road 150 days in a year. Looking ahead, 2023 appears to be another busy touring adventure for Ana as well, kicking off (as of now) in late January. There are currently 47 tour dates in Europe and the US. Be sure to catch her if she is your neck of the woods, you will not be disappointed!!
Ana Popovic Gallery
Ana Popovic Setlist
Can You Stand the Heat
Object of Obsession
Love You Tonight
New Coat of Paint
Fencewalk
Brand New Man
I Like It On Top
Lasting Kind of Love
Last Thing I Do
Mo’ Better Love
We Can Change the World
Show Date: December 11, 2022
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