Some concerts just hit different, and Nessa Barrett’s “Aftercare World Tour” stop at Marathon Music Works on February 26 was one of those nights. As a dedicated Nessa fan, I already expected her to put on an unforgettable show, but, somehow, she still managed to blow me away.

This wasn’t just another concert for me. Around this time last year, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Nessa at this very venue during her “Church Club for the Lonely” tour. Now, a year later, I found myself behind the camera again, capturing a completely new era of her artistry. It was such a full-circle moment, and honestly, a little emotional.

The night kicked off with Ari Abdul, whose dark, dreamy sound was the perfect warm-up for what was to come. The energy in the room shifted the moment Barrett stepped onto the stage. From the very first note, she had the entire crowd in a trance. She performed nearly the entire Aftercare album, and, let me tell you, her vocals live are on another level. There’s this raw, aching emotion in her voice that just cuts straight to the soul.

Of course, she didn’t forget about her longtime fans. She sprinkled in a few throwback songs, and you could feel the nostalgia in the air. But one of the biggest surprises of the night was her cover of Portishead’s “Glory Box.” The way she made it her own? Absolutely unreal. It was sultry, haunting, and just so Nessa.

There’s something about seeing her live that words can’t fully capture. She doesn’t just perform; she feels every lyric, and in turn, makes you feel it too. Whether you were in the front row screaming every word or standing in the back just taking it all in, it felt like she was singing directly to you.

Walking out of the venue that night, I couldn’t help but smile. I’ve been lucky enough to see Nessa grow as an artist, and being able to document these moments through my lens has been surreal. One thing’s for sure—she never ceases to amaze me, and I already can’t wait for the next show.

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