On the cold, snowy evening of Friday, January 10th, Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm brought warmth to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts with their Living Room Sessions tour, a one of kind intimate acoustic performance that promised a night of stories, music, and a glimpse into the musical lives of two of the more prominent names in hard rock in the last 20 years.
The low lighting (including candelabras dating back to the early 1940’s provided by the theater) paired with a plush, purple couch and small table gave the audience the feeling of being the fly on the wall during a private jam session. Lzzy’s gift of telling stories translates not just into the music, but to relating directly to the people in the crowd. The connection between the audience and Lzzy was palpable and though she may have been talking to the entire room, you couldn’t help but feel like she was sitting next to you and chatting like she was your best friend.
But the magic was in the vulnerable moments such as Lzzy talking about being grateful for where she is and all the help she’s gotten along the way before performing songs such as “Dear Daughter” and “Break In”. Performances of Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should've Come Over” and Skid Row’s “I Remember You” gave the audience a glimpse into the different genres that have influenced Hale and Hottinger over the years. The acoustic setting offered the opportunity for songs that aren’t played live very often like “Heart of Novocaine” and “White Dress” to be stripped down and given new meaning. Of course, Hottinger was ready with moments of levity throughout the show such as during “Freak Like Me” where he added his own little flair to a signature moment in the song and taking pictures of Lzzy on stage when she was at the piano or simply just telling a story.
The true power in the performance, however, was in the connection between Lzzy and Joe. While the concerts with the full band are full of life and energy, the small stage afforded the pair to truly get lost in the moment. It was as if they were dancing, singing, and playing music like no one else was watching, lending a variety of emotions to the moment.
It was a special evening the audience is likely going to remember and talk about for a long time to come.
Jodie Manthei Fan Photos