Rufus Wainwright's solo concert at the Belly up Tavern in Solana Beach, California
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
Canadian singer-songwriter, Rufus Wainwright, performed a solo performance at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, California on Monday, November 3rd. Outside of the music venue, patrons were lined up down the block prior to the doors opening at 7pm. Some of them commented they had driven over three hours to experience Rufus Wainwright’s live concert. Upon entering the venue, fans were seated in general admission seating and also crowded around the stage excited for showtime. When Rufus Wainwright stepped onto the stage, he received a warm welcome which was filled with cheers, applause, and bright smiles from the audience.
Wainwright positioned at the majestic grand piano and began to perform lightly on the keys. He opened the show by performing classic tracks on piano, ‘Grey Gardens,’ ‘Vibrate,’ and ‘Complainte De La Butte’, from the "Moulin Rouge" film soundtrack. During the intimate solo concert, Rufus Wainwright engaged with the audience, making the live experience even more special for his fans. He shared that he is currently in the process of working on a new Pop record. He debuted a new song from this upcoming record which was about the apocalypse, and the comical song lyrics made the audience laugh loudly.
Rufus Wainwright followed with an acoustic performance of the track, ‘Gay Messiah,’ which he mentioned was political prophecy. During song intermissions, Wainwright joked with the audience while tuning his guitar. The audience shouted that they loved him and he playfully commented back that he loved them too. Wainwright shared that he had a lovely day in Solana Beach with his friend, Juliana, in which they drove from Los Angeles, enjoyed seafood, and a local dog park. He continued to share funny commentary such as a funny experience about getting a massage in Spain. He shared that his masseuse recited, ‘Inspire, Expire, and Breathe,’ and the audience laughed.
During the encore, Rufus Wainwright welcomed on stage his friend, Juliana, who is a fellow musician whom he admires. Juliana and Wainwright performed together on the Leonard Cohen song, ‘Hallelujah.’ Wainwright will be hosting a benefit concert in December, ‘Hooray for the Hollydays!’ The concert will feature live performances by Beck, Lucy Dacus, Loudon Wainwright III, and more! The concert will take place on December 6th at Saban Theatre in Los Angeles, California on December 6th. Tickets can purchased on axs.com.
For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit Rufus Wainwright’s website. For upcoming events at the Belly Up Tavern, visit their website.
Coverage by Veronica Potes // Instagram: @veropoteart
Contact for us for advertising! If you would like to feature your event, art, music, venue, or business on SoundBite Magazine, send an email to soundbitemag@gmail.com for features and promotional inquiries.
For upcoming events and artists features, follow SoundBite Magazine on Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.