The release of Cassandra Jenkins’ new album My Light, My Destroyer launched her current run of her North American tour, her first in two years. On Thursday, September 19th, Jenkins’ performed her first show of the tour. In fact, it was her first performance in Chicago, held at Sleeping Village, a funky and suave bar and venue in Logan Square.
The show began with opener Andrew Sa, an alt-country singer from California. He strolled onto stage wearing an outfit consisting of patchwork jeans, cowboy boots, a button down and a flat cap, echoing the aesthetic of the California cowboy. On stage stood only Sa and his guitarist, making this opening act extra special for listeners.
One of his most intimate songs of the night was about the death of a character from the iconic 2005 film, Brokeback Mountain. Sa opened the song with the statement: “this song is about a gay cowboy. No, not me!” which made the audience chuckle. Sa’s lilting vocals and peaceful poise dominated the stage and kept the audience in rapt attention.
After Sa’s set, it was Jenkins’ time to shine. She strolled onto the stage in a black bow and a floral jacket. Electronic music and vocals surrounded the darkness of the venue.
The show began with the opening track of the album, ‘Devotion.’ Jenkins sang delicately and talked about other songs on the album in tandem with going through a breakup. At the end of the show, a flutist featured in the opening act came back out to accompany Jenkins’ and her all-female band for a climactic finale.
