I’d Drive Ninety-One Miles if I Could Just See Vanessa Carlton Tonight

Last updated on August 14th, 2024 at 07:13 pm

It’s just over 91 miles from my home in northeast Minneapolis to Mayo Park in Rochester, Minnesota. That may seem like a great distance to catch a concert, but for someone just having their first baby in June, 91 miles felt easily justifiable for platinum artist Vanessa Carlton, who burst onto the scene in 2002 with “A Thousand Miles.” Not since the pandemic had I gone more than a month without seeing live music. It’s part of what fills my tank with the fuel for life.

The Riverside Music Series has been a constant amenity for Rochester residents for over 30 years. This year’s lineup includes the talents of Everclear, Elvie Shane, Nat Myers, and Max Weinberg in addition to Carlton. Twin Citians shouldn’t be duanted by ninety-one miles for series that is free, outdoors along the Zumbro River, featuring stellar national acts and standout local artists.

Taking the stage with 6 albums worth of songs, Carlton sprinkled in fan favorites from each. “Carousel” (2011) opened the night followed by the piano driven “Willows” (2015). Supported by drums, bass, and violin, Carlton paused between songs to give insight into the meaning behind her lyrics. She wove her family name of Liberman into “House of Seven Swords” and recognized dating red flags before playing “Fairweather Friend.”

“White Houses,” which was censored on MTV back in 2004, drew fan-made signs and loud applause from the crowd. The higher energy songs “Tall Tales For Spring” and “Who’s To Say” expertly landed in the middle of the set. Carlton shared the experience of meeting her mentor (and now close friend) Stevie Nicks before paying tribute with a cover of “Dreams.”

As a longtime fan, I noticed that Carlton didn’t play anything from her 2007 album Heroes & Thieves. “Nolita Fairytale” or “Hands On Me” would have been great additions to the set. And while we received her most notable single “A Thousand Miles,” Carlton didn’t rejuvenate any of the other songs from that debut album.

That’s less of a surprise when you’ve followed her career and releases: she’s continually drifting away from mainstream music and leaning into more lush surroundings and artful experiences. Each album sees her explore a more atmospheric direction, evolving her foundational influences of Tori Amos and Fiona Apple further and further. The early 2000’s Vanessa Carlton has grown into a more complex and stronger songwriter.

Treated to a first listen of “Veils,” the new single off her soon-to-be-recorded upcoming album, hints at another new darker artistic layer. Stripped back to just a piano and long drawn-out bass tones, the haunting performance shed light on the range of direction ahead of her. It’s a further step towards placing importance in how the production of a song should align with its message.

I’ve said this often when interviewing musicians: hearing an artist evolve in their sound is what makes a fan truly connected to the music. You trust the artist to take the wheel. You’re along for the ride, the adventure, and the thousands of miles that are laid out in front of you. As a diehard Vanessa Carlton fan, that road trip is something I’ll show up for anytime.

If you haven’t caught a Rochester Riverside Music show this year, you have two chances left. Rising blues poet Nat Myers and local darling Molly Brandt take the stage on August 4th. Then veteran drummer Max Weinberg closes the season with groove-infused indie rock group The Orange Goodness. Trust me, it’s worth those 91 miles.