Cam Brightens Rainy Monday Evening in Los Angeles
Written by Ephney Tsai
It was one of those L.A. nights where the skies opened up and sheets of rain drenched the sidewalks. But, even the gloomy weather outside couldn’t dampen the mood inside the El Rey Theatre, where Cam transformed the melancholy weather and Monday into something sweet and special.
The show began with Oskar & Julia, whose soft harmonies and delicate songwriting felt perfectly suited to the introspective mood of the night. The husband and wife duo glided through their set like a late-night conversation, warming up the crowd with their harmonious set. Britton followed, bringing a new vibe with his bright energy and strong voice. In the cozy venue, his voice resonated through the walls, creating a meaningful serenade as he empowered the crowd with his music. "If there's something I'm sure of, it's that music can save us all," he boldly stated, carrying on his colorful set filled with falsettos, choreography, and motivating speeches.
When Cam finally took the stage, she walked in to cheers and applause—a reminder that her fans came out despite their Monday blues and despite the rainy weather. Her concert was full of fan favorites and some of her most recent music. Across her performance, she struck a lovely balance between vulnerability and power. Early on, she leaned into quieter, reflective songs, something her impressive catalog has plenty of. As the night progressed, however, she stepped into more expansive, anthemic moments, channeling the pure clarity in her voice she's best known for. Whether she was singing about heartbreak, self-discovery, or longing, her delivery felt intimately alive.
One particularly memorable moment came when she slowed things down for a stripped-back number for the first introduction of her set. With her band surrounding her microphone with her, they sang acapella to introduce the show. "I wanted to create a space for you. If you need to cry, then cry. If you want to dance, sway, cheer, then do that." This was the type of stage where the crowd could hear every breath and every bit of emotion and feeling through each word. As her voice resonated through the theatre, it was almost as if the crowd was waiting with bated breathes, not wanting to interrupt Cam's masterpiece. Another one was "Hallelujah," which she described as holding grief after the pandemic. As people returned to work and normalcy, pretending nothing happened and no one was lost, this track called the grief, sadness, and overwhelm from deep within everyone to validate the feelings and bring them to light.
In contrast, Cam closed the show with something fiery, lifting the energy and wrapping the night in a hopeful glow. Despite the cold weather outside, the crowd was warm and present. Cam put together a setlist that made the quaint theatre seem more like a safe space rather than a concert venue. People sang along softly, swaying, and there was a genuine sense of community in the room. Cam’s interactions with the audience were effortless as she shared little stories between songs, letting moments breathe without rushing. Her band also helped keep the music flowing without ever taking away from her performance and her presence.
Ultimately, Cam’s show at El Rey Theatre was a reminder of why she connects so deeply with fans. The connection was in her honesty, and simply within her presence. The rain may have poured outside, but inside, she created a space where everyone could just slow down and enjoy the moment.
