From Blues to Beats: A Soulful Night With Raye at Thalia Hall Kicks Off Lollapalooza 2024

Written and Captured By | Summer Ralston

Minutes after the Lollapalooza gates closed Thursday night, marking its first official day of the 2024 festival, the doors at Thalia Hall opened; welcoming tired festival goers and locals alike.

The intimate, opera house venue was the perfect place to have opener Paw Paw Rod get the night started. Originally from Oklahoma City, the singer/rapper instantly commanded the attention of the audience with his super bubbly persona and unique blend of rap, soul and house music. His most recognizable song, “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS”, showed off the fusion of genres phenomenally and pumped the crowd up for what was to come. The set was filled with funk, live instruments and fun–a theme that would later carry into Raye’s set as well.

See more photos of Paw Paw Rod HERE

As the clock struck midnight the wait was over, as Raye took the stage in her infamous black gown with her 6 piece live band surrounding her. It’s almost like we were suddenly transported into a modern blues club as the first few notes of “The Thrill Is Gone” filled the room. The crowd erupted into applause as she effortlessly showed off her amazing vocal range, having some fun with riffs after each song. The emotions in the room were flowing and Raye herself was overwhelmed by the reception as she engaged with the crowd, changing up the set list right then and there!

The genre-bending artist dove into some deeper hits off of her debut album as she spoke candidly about the human experience. A very validating experience as I’m sure many in the crowd could relate to some of the hardships she has faced as an artist and as a woman. She held the attention of everyone in that room as the songs she was singing were as honest and raw as the stories that followed.

See more photos of Raye HERE

The band’s true chance to shine came as she took a seat in the middle of the stage and we heard her take on James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” and Jax Jones’ “You Don’t Know Me.” The show was the perfect mix of soulful ballads and dance numbers as the audience was taken from blues club to night club when some of her more electric hits came next. From start to finish the night was filled with versatility and soul. An unforgettable way to kick off a festival weekend.