Looks Like Chicago Loves Ella Langley
Cover Photo by Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has sold out nearly every show on her first headlining tour. She not only got a venue upgrade from Carol’s Pub to Joe’s on Weed Street, but Joe’s has been her largest sold out crowd on this tour to date. I had the pleasure of being apart of her meet and greet experience prior to the show. She sang “Coulda Been Her” acoustically while her dogs ran through the venue before taking individual photos with fans. She is funny, gorgeous, witty, and down to earth.
Taken with iphone
Aaron Raitiere opened on this leg of the tour. While most probably don’t know his name, the world definitely knows his songs. Aaron has written songs that have been recorded by just about everyone in country music from Lainey Wilson to Maren Morris to Trace Adkins. He was featured on Ashley McBryde’s Lindyville album and wrote several songs with her. Most notably, he wrote several songs on the “A Star is Born” soundtrack including “I’ll Never Find Love Again.”
Taken with iphone
Aaron started the show a little differently coming out in a white graduation robe and a flute. He played a meditation song followed by reciting a poem about turtles. After having time to research Aaron, the flute is fitting after learning he has recorded 2 albums for mediation. He played a few songs he’s written like “4X4XU” and “Mind on Fishin’.” It didn’t hit me that I knew who he was until he played “Jesus Jenny” and “Brenda Put Your Bra On” from Lindyville. While I was thoroughly entertained by his songs, the crowd was still thinking “Who is this guy?” To regain the audience’s attention he sang a song about butt cheeks. Maybe that’s what middle school teachers should start doing to command their classroom because it sure worked for a room full of adults. I give the man credit, he can make any topic into a catchy tune and verbalizes his thoughts in a very relatable, humorous way. Might’ve been an unconventional start to a country show, but I had a good time.
Taken with iphone
The stage was covered in string lights and standing living room lamps. A simple yet homely stage setup. Ella’s tour manager had to tape down the carpeting on the stage so she wouldn’t trip while moving about. She came out in a long, black, lace, see-through dress with a bodysuit underneath with black cowboy boots serving up a sexy, badass look. She played songs off of her EP as well as the “hungover” album. She opened with “Paint the Town Blue.” She brought the energy covering Gretchen Wilson’s “Here For The Party” and some soul performing “Hound Dog.”
Taken with iphone
Her genuine love of performing radiated throughout the venue. Her voice sounded incredible whether she was dancing around the stage, whipping her hair, shaking her tambourine, or up there solo with her guitar. I see a future female vocalist of the year in the making. It’s apparent that making music is what she was always meant to do. Every woman in the audience echoed Ella’s voice as she sang acoustic on “Cowboy Friends” while it felt like every man was dressed in Ella merch. Everybody in the place sang the chorus to “You Look Like You Love Me” except for Aaron who decided to switch up the lyrics a little bit during Riley Green’s portion. She closed the show with “That’s Why We Fight” which was recorded with Koe Wetzel. It was clear by my smile ear to ear the entire night that Ella’s show was one of my favorites this year.
Taken with iphone
To close, if you need a good pick me up or want to do some meditation, check out Aaron Raitiere wherever you listen to music. Normally I would say you can catch Ella on the rest of her tour dates, but she’s sold out of most of those too so unless you already have tickets, I guess you just have to wait cause this girl is on a roll.
For more information on Ella Langley – https://ellalangley.com/
For more information on Aaron Raitiere - https://www.aaronraitiere.com/
