by Donte Kirby
Ellie Goulding and Conway gave the fans what they paid for and more at the Liacouras Center Friday night. Conway opened with an eccentric style and strong voice that contrasts Goulding’s sound nicely. Kassia Conway, accompanied by her band, literally glowed on stage with neon shirts worn by the bassist and guitarist with orange neon socks that made Conway’s movement more theatrical.
On Conway’s third song there was a technical difficulty with what looked like a guitar that prevented them from starting the song. Kassia took the time to address the crowd, a duty she is often scolded for forgetting, and plug her EP, Big Talk. Many of the song from the set, such as “Killer” and “Hustler”, came from that EP.
Conway’s set may not have won over all the Goulding diehards that filled the Liacouras Center. However, when her set was through, there was a healthy stream of people leaving their seats to meet her at the merch table- a mark of a good show that surely won her some new fans.
From the moment Goulding stepped on stage until she thanked the Philly crowd and said her goodbyes, everyone in attendance was hanging on every word, only going over the cliff when Goulding performed her hits like “Anything Could Happen” or “Starry Eyed”. Goulding’s two hour set was broken up with interludes that included a beautiful piano solo and a short performance by her three backup singers. Goulding’s energy on stage was high and infectious, she danced as hard as her fans through the whole show and her energy never dropped for a second.
During her rendition of Elton John’s “Your Song”, the front rows in the Liacouras pit was a sea of multicolored paper hearts. When she sang “Lights” the whole venue was a starry night with fans holding up whatever light source they might have.
I went in not minding Ellie Goulding and left a fan. I wouldn’t be surprised if next time Goulding’s in town she’s playing at the Wells Fargo Center.
In the mood for nostalgia? Check out our interview with Goulding from 2011 here.
