REVIEW: Grentperez @ the Theater of Living Arts
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WRITTEN BY: Alana Beltran
PHOTO BY: Alana Beltran
21-year-old Filipino-Australian indie pop artist, Grant Perez, rocked South Street this past week at the Theater of Living Arts. Perez, better known by his stage name, Grentperez, showed the audience what it meant to be a kid again while discussing the harsh realities of growing up during his “Growing Up?” tour where he traveled all over Europe, North America, and Australia to showcase his recognizable sound.
Fans of Grent stood in the cold for blocks outside of the venue waiting for the doors to open. Security was letting in small groups of people at a time to control the crowd. As soon as fans were let in, they raced towards the barricades. Steadily, the venue grew increasingly packed as everyone waited with anticipation for the show to start.
As the lights dimmed into a purple shade, indie pop artist FIG took to the stage as the opening act for Grent. Hailing from Malaysia, FIG performed a brief but memorable 30-minute set for the lively audience, showcasing her unique style and sound. She delivered a spectacular show with an unparalleled stage presence, singing with immense passion as she addressed the audience with a gentle demeanor. FIG sang about a multitude of emotions like happiness, love, independence, and the feeling of growing up that comes with them all.
FIG included many audience members in the show as a way to connect with them, one of them being a quick game of Nickelodeon trivia where fans could win free FIG merch. FIG also made it easy for the audience to sing along to her songs by teaching them the lyrics.
After FIG concluded her energizing performance for Grent’s fans, she exited the stage, prompting the crowd to unite in chanting, “Grent, Grent, Grent,” increasing enthusiasm with unwavering support for Perez.
Unexpectedly, onlookers were flashed with orange lights that synchronized to the opening song of Grents’ set, “When the Day is Done,” from his album, When We Were Younger.
“How we doing Philly?” Grent asked, kicking off the show.
Fans never stopped dancing to Grent’s diverse selection from his discography, performing songs both with and without his two-person band. The audience was able to hear hits from his most popular EP, Conversations With The Moon, which includes notable songs like “My Heart It Beats for You” and “Why I Love You”.
During Grent’s hour-long set, he confidently presented an unreleased track titled “Reason Why,” sparking an exuberant response among fans.
Grent’s pure happiness and joy were unparalleled as he never stopped dancing and smiling on stage. In the radiant glow cast by Grent, fans danced and swayed in unison.
He delivered an excellently executed set and concluded the night by making the statement, “I think I’m thirsty for some… Cherry Wine,” followed by an encore performance of his most renowned song, Cherry Wine. The audience erupted with cheers and applause, exhilarated by the musician’s playful humor. Grent delivered an unforgettable experience that left the audience wanting more.
Grentperez’s performance was nothing short of pure bliss filled with a love for his craft, proving his personality to be young at heart as Grent is a lighthearted soul who is still growing up himself.
The energy of him and his band warmed the hearts of those in the venue that night. The captivating voice and seamless chord progressions of their beloved artist left fans mesmerized.
Setlist:
When the Day Is Done
Why I Love You
Clementine
Silver Lining
(Only) About Love
My Heart It Beats for You
Reason Why
Us Without Me
Ego
Old With You
Day by Day
Confusing Girl
Encore:
Stuck On You
Cherry Wine
