06. Please don't Ghost Me - Saint Harison Lincoln Hall Review | Take
I almost fainted! No, seriously — almost fainted, lost my breath, had to bring out the inhaler!
Picture this. Lincoln Hall, small intimate venue on the north side of Chicago. Has a lower level and a balcony. Bright in the hall and entryway. But that dark mood lighting you need because you know you about to have a good time. The balcony has seating and so many TVs you can’t miss a thing if you aren’t close. Which I love. Sometimes you just need a seat.
The show opened with Shae Universe. This was my first time hearing her and I was very impressed. She gives a vibe that just puts you in a mood. Like candles, glass of wine, and just a vibe. Put me in a mood to serenade my loves on the grown and sexy vibes. Shae takes you to another universe, if you will. Hehe, see what I did there. She was a great opener to the main attraction.
Saint Harison. Now let me tell you about Saint. I was introduced to him a couple of years ago via his first project, *Lost a Friend*. It definitely put you in the place of a lost friendship. Did I do too much? Care too much? Love too much? Was it ego? Alcohol? Who knows.
Saint definitely brought that same spirit. He kicked off the show with “Ghosted.” Mind you, I was upstairs watching the TV. But then my girl was like, “I’m ready to go downstairs right now.” I’m like, bet. Let’s go discover the joys up close. But it’s that caveat of Lincoln Hall — it’s intimate. Although we were back by the doors, we were still close enough to feel the vibe. And a vibe it was.
Saint gives a nice relatable energy. Most of his songs are relatable in terms of a relationship, but not just romantic. Friendships or lost love, you can relate. I cannot describe the feeling I had seeing him. Overwhelmed. Enthused. Even a little sad. His music is always something that touched me. Almost describing things I feel but couldn’t say. Hearing his story of how music was a salvation. A place of safety. Helping him through a time where things were uncertain, scary, dark. That’s something I can resonate with. Music has always been safety for me, if you will. I stim when I’m around the house. Someone says a word or phrase and I will definitely find a song with it!
Saint’s life and experiences definitely show in his music. Being at his first Chicago show, where he interacted with the audience, told jokes, got personal, moved in close. And let me tell you, he introduced an ab-so-lute BANGER! I won’t spoil too much because it’s not released yet. But between you and me, it will be on repeat!
Man, I was too busy fangirling, I ain’t even tell you about that first bit. Why, for the first time in life, I had to pull out my inhaler at a show. I didn’t even do that at my man’s shows. Though he does take my breath away.
So after Saint gave a phenomenal set — some old, some new, some borrowed (read: covers) — he left the stage. LEFT! Said goodbye like he was finished, but he didn’t perform “Ego.” EGO! “That ain’t me though, that’s just my ego talking.” I’m talking that “Ego.” Me and my girl look at each other like, uh uh. We ain’t leaving till the lights come on.
Next thing you know, Saint Harison is on the balcony I just left. Jaw dropped, but I’m screaming ’cause damn, you close. And oh shit, I was just up there. Then, poof, he left. I was like, man, I wish I was still up there.
Then all of a sudden this man comes through the doors right where we were standing. Like, only a railing between us. Close enough to touch. But I didn’t touch him. Just like I think it’s weird for strangers to touch me, I don’t touch nobody. Then he started singing to my husband. In front of me. I was losing my breath. Fumbling with my phone, trying to find the camera, trying to sing while off key. I figured if I take my eyes off of him, he will disappear.
When I tell you, I started hyperventilating with one of my favorite artists singing the song I met him with. Then the inhaler had to be brought out. Talking couldn’t take a deep breath, sweating. And that’s how I saw Saint Harison up close. Looking a damn fool. #cringe
Though he’s younger than me, there is a certain amount of admiration of anyone choosing to work through their trauma. Even share it so others can relate and not feel so alone. Because “I think we shoulda stayed homies, shoulda never let you in” definitely resonates with many.
End of Take 06. Photos by Lillie M.
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