Laura Pergolizzi, better known as LP, took over the Observatory in Santa Ana on Friday, January 25th, kicking off the first show on the 2019 Heart To Mouth Tour that not only stretches across the nation but even extends to Europe in May 2019. Whether you are newly fond of, never heard of, or an already existing fan of the singer-songwriter,  you can’t help but be in awe of her raw personality, the cool and bold style she carries and her strong vocals that pipe from her heart to her mouth. Pun-intended there as it highlights her fifth and most recent album ‘HEART TO MOUTH’ that we were due to hear tonight. This was due to be a show to remember not only for the fans but for LP herself. 

Starting off the night was SLUGS with girl power vibes from a Marissa and Sarsten combo. It was a subtle start to the show and soon to take over the stage right after was Lauren Ruth Ward, who also happens to be LP’s fiance. Lauren and guitarist Eddie played through a set and performed their newest song “Valhalla” which turned up the crowd into a new gear. (Be sure to check out the music video on her website, worth a watch!) Lauren was extremely photogenic throughout her set. I loved her hair flipping, use of different instruments and extreme attitude.  Both openers really started off the night with a fun note and had lots of interaction with the fans in the crowd. There was even a lucky lady in the crowd right behind me that won over the set-list from Lauren. After a few chants to her, Lauren came back on stage to hand her the set-list which surely made this fans night. Of course, I got a photo of this happy moment. (See below)

When LP took the stage, the crowd went from chatter to screams in a split second as she started off her set with “Dreamcatcher”, the first song on her album Heart To Mouth.  Next up was “When We’re High” and “Hey Nice to Know Ya”, and both took the sold-out show into complete hyper-drive!  A few songs into an already killer set, she informed us all that sadly she was “sick as f*ck”. This is LP, raw as hell and all about honesty. “Listen, no excuses, I can do it but I’m sick as f*ck”. It was hard to catch it all as I made my way from the pit but she said something along the lines of “I’m trying to keep up but if you hear some shit…” Basically just roll with it is what she was saying. I did however catch this and giggled a bit. “Also, could you cut that fucking fog? It’s killing me!” There was no stutter made from this, the fans were still there, and they were ready to roll with it. LP fought through tonight showing what her vocals came to do but as she got about half way into the show you could start to notice at some points where she was starting to struggle a little. Sick or not, she still gave us all the bad-ass show we all went there for and I was amazed at how much she was fighting through it. LP really gave it all that she had. I’m not sure who wanted this show the most, LP or her fans but it was clear that there was a lot of love in the room.

The show was full of fans with all sorts of styles, some of which who not only drove there but even flew in to catch the show. I for one felt like I fit in perfectly, being a part of the “family” and all (lesbo hint there – get it?). It was a place where people from all walks came to jam. You had your crowd singers, couples dancing wrapped in each others arms, the phone videographers and I can’t leave out the rad roller derby looking woman with the coolest pink mohawk in a black leather vest and Converse. This crowd set one standard and that was “We are here to have a damn good time and look fly as hell while we are doing it.”

As the show came to a close, LP performed her biggest hit yet, “Lost On You”, during her encore and it was the moment a lot were waiting for. Unfortunately, this was probably the hardest part of the evening for LP to go through with the sickness coming in full swing, but it actually turned into a beautiful moment when the crowd took over for her, singing the words for her. LP graciously accepted it and encouraged it. Talk about true grit.  All in all, this was an amazing show and one you definitely need to see when LP swings through your town.  What a great way to start off 2019!