Richmond, VA – Just when you think you know what to expect at a show, a great artist will throw a few curves and deliver a few surprises. That was the case on April 14, 2023, when Orville Peck performed at the National in Richmond, VA.
The first surprise was his opening act, Marci. Most of the time an artist compliments the headliner, often being of a similar genre and style. Not so with Marci. Her performance was a little indi-poppy soulish, and mellow set. I loved it, but it was nothing like the bold country style of Orville. I thought this was a great idea, as she expanded the audience experience instead of narrowing it. Well played (and I would check her out too, a very talented artist).
Between sets I had the chance to walk around and mingle a bit with the crowd. Not surprising, it was a very diverse mix. For those familiar with Orville, a large LBGTQ+ following was present, as were people from many different walks of life. This goes along with the message that Orville conveys, “be comfortable with yourself”. It has always amazed me how powerful art is in bringing people together. Orville’s music was no exception.
When the lights went down and Orville walked out (preceded by the band, including longtime friends and touring bandmates Duncan Hay Jennings (guitar) and Bria Salmena (guitar) along with Kyle Connolly (bass) and Kris Bowering (drums), the crowd erupted. Donning his marquee mask and country attire he walked to the mic and proclaimed, “I’m Orville Peck”. Let the show begin!
Opening with ‘Daytona Sand” from his new album, Bronco we all saddled up and never looked back. One of my faves, “Turn to Hate” was next, followed by “The Curse of the Blackened Eye“. The way Orville interacted with the audience and band (especially Duncan and Bria) was fun to watch. He did tell us that as he played, we were free to cry if we wanted to… and dancing was ok, too. Everyone was having a great time.
Showing his instrumental range, Orville sat down at the piano for “Drive Me Crazy“, a trucker in love song, with Duncan joining in. After “No Glory in the West” we (well, at least a couple lucky souls) were treated to flowers! Yes, country roses. Another twist and fun surprise. Throughout the show Orville (and also Bria later) handed out roses. When he announced his criteria to receive one (there really was none), he also told us that the roses he normally gives out do not have thorns, but these did. This was the perfect place for a few bars of Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”.
Orville announced what we already knew, he is gay. After a short political commentary, he went into “Queen of the Rodeo”, which, as the name implies, was about a drag queen in the rodeo. He then brought out Richmond drag artist, Alvion Arnell Davenport to put on a show. It was a blast and she ate it up, as did those in the audience!! Such a show would not be complete without tips, and Orville was the first! A person, who appeared to be the tour photographer, also assisted with gathering audience tips for Alvion. I think it is safe to say that never at the National has anyone gone to a country concert and then a drag show broke out! How delightful!
After “Hexie Mountains” Bria joined Orville in his well known duet, “Legends Never Die“. This one of my favorite songs and just watching them interact it is obvious how close they have become.
Rounding out the Orville roundup was “Dead of Night” and the title track of his newest album and the namesake for the tour, “Bronco“. With the final note, the band waved and left… the crowd erupted in a standing O. Of course, the band reemerged and finished out the night with his namesake encore, “Take You Back (The Iron Hoof Cattle Call)“.
Who could have asked for a better night? A very diverse audience coming together to take in a great show (amazing how music can bring us together). A little bit country, a little drag, a few flowers, and even a little (very little) rock and roll.
Orville Peck Gallery
Orville Peck Setlist
Daytona Sand
Turn to Hate
The Curse of the Blackened Eye
Lafayette
C’mon Baby, Cry
Drive Me, Crazy
No Glory in the West
Every Rose Has It’s Thorn
Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other
Outta Time
Queen of the Rodeo
Any Turn
All I Can Say
Hexie Mountains
Legends Never Die
Kalahari Down
Dead of Night
Bronco
Encore:
Take You Back (The Iron Hoof Cattle Call)
Show Date: April 14, 2023
