Oklahoma City bears witness to Hannah Wicklund’s raw feminine energy
MARCH 28TH 2024 | by LEAH CENTER
Hannah Wicklund set off on the second leg of her Hell in the Hallway tour last week at Beer City Music Hall in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and the night was nothing short of ethereal. Wicklund’s performance encompassed the audience in a realm of rock and roll that was elevated accompanied with landscapes created through her sound, lyrics and artwork.
The tapestry behind the band was a print of Wicklund’s original painting inspired by the single, Hell in the Hallway, and was also the opening song of the night. A song with emotive imagery that set the scene for the evening in a fiery breath.
The environment of Wicklund’s shows are, without doubt, a direct result of the segments shared in her newest album, The Prize. Wicklund shared gratitude with the audience between songs and thanked them for appreciating what unintentionally became a female empowerment rock record.
Wicklund’s ability to connect with her fans while shredding a guitar was captivating. A notable moment while observing Hannah’s performance was when a fan, in the center of the crowd, movingly sang along during the acoustic set. There was a point during Wicklund’s song, “Shadow Boxes and Porcelain Faces,” where it felt like the fan and Hannah were singing to each other, the only word that could describe it was cinematic.
The acoustic set of the night completely captivated the audience in an admiring silence. If one allowed themself and listened intently, the space at her shows conjures a sincere and raw human experience. Wicklund’s performance showcased the importance of her presence in the music industry and the necessity of her artistry, as well as artists alike, now more than ever.
Intentionality extended beyond the stage and reached to the merch table in the back of the venue. Wearable apparel with original artwork from Wicklund were some of the many unique items for sale. The most exciting item of the evening was the debut of her small batch perfume, Forest Fairy No. 1. Made in collaboration with Phoebe Phoenix located in Burbank, California, Wicklund described the scent as one designed for lovers of mushrooms, dirt and fresh cut roses.
After the show, Wicklund kindly gave her time to anyone who chose to stay after the show to say hello. Her kindness to fans was authentic and generous. It was moving to see and hear how many young women that met Wicklund were aspiring musicians and artists. One fan even brought a floral arrangement they made for Wicklund full of pink flowers and peacock feathers.
If the following shows of the Hell in the Hallway tour are anything like her show in Oklahoma City, attendees are in for a memorable night. There was something extra special about attending the show at a venue with a large number of female staff and management. Certainly, it was looking glass into a future of more diverse live concert experiences. Buy tickets to Hannah Wicklund’s Hell in the Hallway World Tour here.
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