Traveling from coast to coast and to places in between, talented artist Zolita graced the stage at the Visulite Theatre in North Carolina this evening. With her magnetic presence, amazing music, vibrant themes, and endless fan fun, she transformed the night into an unforgettable celebration.
To those not familiar with the name, allow me to introduce you to the force behind the curtain.
Known professionally as Zolita, Zoë Hoetzel is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, film editor, and director from Agoura Hills California. Her creative journey began early and continued through college where she studied film at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Music and songwriting were always her passion and something she did for fun. But it wasn't until she realized the potential in merging the two creative worlds that she became the cinematic and artistic force that she is today. Zolita has captivated audiences throughout the years with her storytelling, filmmaking, and music. But at the heart of it all is her commitment to authentic storytelling representing queer love and relationships, an undertaking inspired by what she would have liked to have seen as a queer child growing up.
In 2015 she released "Explosion", a song and music video that went viral on Youtube, setting the stage for her cinematic and musical success. Her most notable body of work emerged from her song and short film "Somebody I F*cked Once", released in 2021. Due to the overwhelming success, she expanded the work into a complete trilogy which included songs and music videos for "Single in September" and "I F*cking Love you". Now signed with AWAL, she has dazzled listeners with numerous singles, EPs, and two albums, "Evil Angel" and "Queen of Hearts".
As the doors open on this sunny, warm September evening, fans in vibrant heart, pageant, and playful country themed attire enter the Visulite Theatre. Talented artist Meg Smith, dressed in an all-white sparkled angel outfit, with boots, wings, and halo starts the evening off. From vocals to stage presence, she delivers a dynamic set, gaining the attention of the room with every song. Meg engages with the audience, sharing insight into her life by allowing listeners to get to know her better. Describing her music as rom-com pop, she sings songs like "Jesus in a Mini Skirt" and "You Fake Your British Accent". Smith and her talented guitarist set the stage for an epic night.
As the clock strikes nine, the anticipation builds, and the lights turn to a bright red hue enveloping the stage. A voice echoes through the room transporting us front and center to the Queen of Hearts beauty pageant, where three competitors vie for the crown. Drummer and guitarist Andre Mohring, dressed in all black with a stylish cowboy hat, takes a seat at the drums. Talented performers and pageant competitors Sierra Fujita and Symone Kimeka take to the stage in sleek black outfits adorned with pageant sashes. Zolita emerges in a white blouse, tie, and black pants. Morhings' drumbeat starts to build as Zolita surprises the audience when her outfit is torn off to reveal a dazzling black sparkly outfit, with a white sash and sparkling studded black boots.
And then the song "Queen of Hearts" drops.
From here on out the night is filled with complete joy and celebration as we are taken on the full journey of the pageant intertwined with music from the new album, and fan favorites from previous bodies of work. Zolita radiates happiness, making heartfelt connections with fans in the room as she locks eyes and sings with them. With a musical background in bluegrass growing up, she effortlessly transitions between a dark blue Fender Telecaster and an acoustic guitar, showcasing her talent.
With the first portion of the pageant complete, Zolita returns to the stage in a vibrant red two-piece, with red boots and hat to match. She treats fans to a playful cover of Shania Twain's classic hit "That Don't Impress Me Much" infused with an iconic queer twist. She then follows up with "Hypocrite" and "Small Town Scandal", an upbeat, joyous song celebrating her love for country music and line dancing. As we transition into the final portion of the concert, laughter and cheers erupt through the room as the first bra of the tour is humorously tossed on stage and Fujita and Kimeka share in a light-hearted moment. Fans were welcomed to participate in a sash competition where creativity was front and center, and those with the most unique and cheeky design stood a chance at winning a meet and greet with the pop star afterwards. While a handful had entered and all were celebrated for their spirited efforts, there were three that took home the win. Zolita makes one last stunning appearance in a shimmering pink dress accompanied by her fellow competitors, and the crowd comes together as she sings "All Girls Go to Heaven," followed by her finale "Somebody I F*cked Once".
The evening was more than just a concert: It was an experience that left fans feeling valued and uplifted. Through music, inclusivity, the spirit of competition, laughter, and theatrical delight Zolita created a night of pure joy that stole our hearts and left us with memories that will last a lifetime. As for who ultimately won the crown? Well, you'll just have to go to the pageant and witness the magic for yourself to find out.
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