Jeremy Zucker Brings Warm Autumn Vibes to Anaheim on Garden State U.S. Tour
Written by: Ephney Tsai
There's always too much going on at once in the world, especially in a busy metropolitan city like Los Angeles. For those looking for a quiet and peaceful night out, the House of Blues in Anaheim was the perfect destination on the mildly chilly Friday evening on October 24th. Singer-Songwriter Jeremy Zucker was joined by opening act Bebe Stockwell for an evening full of relaxing music that was sweet and sentimental.
The night began with the quietly youthful yet mature vocals from Bebe Stockwell. The Boston native sang a slew of her songs, ranging from "Call Me By Your Name," a song written in honor of a film she enjoyed with her father, to "Speak Too Soon," a track about falling too hard, too fast for someone. Stockwell's deep vocal tone and poetic lyrics were the perfect match, starting the night off with a gentle energy. While most of her set was paired with her acoustic guitar, she also stepped away from the instrument for songs like "Ruined," during which she walked across the stage lightly swaying to the music. As her voice resonated through the venue and her modest white dress swayed with each movement, she wrapped up her short 30-minute set to loud cheers from the crowd.
There was something electric about Jeremy Zucker's set that came next. It wasn't flashing strobe lights or an elaborate stage setup, rather, it was the way he instantly connected with the crowd. The connection was clear in the way he calmly smiled, in the way he held casual conversations that felt like they were between friends, and it was the in the way he confidently sang each song and meant each lyric. With each song, he sang even more passionately, sharing stories and anecdotes between tracks like a late-night conversation.
For many singer-songwriters, the beauty of their shows is within their simplicity. No fancy videos, no crazy pyrotechnics, and no crazy choreography are needed. Instead, the show focuses on their voice, their words, and the comfort and emotion the combination are able to evoke from the audience. In Zucker’s case, some of the best performances were with songs "comethru" and "always, i'll care." Today's society often feels lonely, depressed, and isolated, and each strum of his guitar and each word he sang was like warmth and comfort for the crowd. Meaning each word in songs like "scared" and "better off," the singer created an atmosphere that felt similar to finding comfort in a warm blanket by the fire while rain falls out of the autumn sky outside.
Unlike other artists, Zucker surprisingly included a majority of his biggest hits towards the first half of the show. The decision was a refreshing move, allowing the show to slowly bloom right from the very beginning. These hit songs brought a joy and lightheartedness to the crowd that he successfully carried on all the way through to the end.
Aside from the undeniably comforting music, Zucker also spent a good amount of time connecting with his audience through stories. Not in rehearsed monologues, but in short, sincere anecdotes about what inspired his music. He shared things like memories about being back in New Jersey, his wife, and how his lyrics and music have changed as he's grown from into the well-seasoned artist he is today. Taking it even further, he even partnered with the Ally Coalition for his show, opening up donations to the organization that provides critical support for bettering the lives of LGBTQ youth and raises awareness about the systemic inequalities facing the LGBTQ population.
Musically, the setlist balanced nostalgia and growth. Tracks from his new Garden State album brought a pensive, self-reflecting tone. "simple things" and "hometown" felt especially resonant, especially for the singer as he performs all the way on the other side of the country. The transitions between older hits and newer material were seamless, highlighting how naturally Zucker’s sound has matured while staying true to his introspective roots. The overall stage lighting and visuals were soft throughout the show, never stealing focus from the music. Warm amber tones washed over the stage during quieter moments, then shifted to cool blues and purples as the tempo lifted. It wasn’t flashy, but it fit perfectly.
Zucker's connection to the crowd and his authenticity as an artist really shined through with the concert. From moments of laughter and joy to those of quiet emotion, his honesty and gratitude created a safe, almost healing environment for his audience. The Garden State Tour wasn't about showing off, it was a show put together to show the imperfections and beauty of human emotions and thoughts.
