Stephen Sanchez in Los Angeles
On a night traditionally marked by superstition, Stephen Sanchez turned the YouTube Theater into a time-warped musical spectacle on September 13th a.k.a. Friday the 13th. This wasn’t just a concert – it was an immersive 1960s TV variety show brought to life, complete with the charismatic host "Connie Co," who welcomed fans as if they were part of a live studio audience.
The stage set resembled a classic TV soundstage, evoking the charm of old-school broadcasts. From the moment Connie Co introduced Stephen with a rotating stage entrance, the audience was hooked. Sanchez, dressed like he stepped out of the ‘60s, kicked things off with his band, blending modern tunes with vintage flair. Songs like "Other Side" from the Angel Face deluxe album brought a fresh, energetic vibe, while older hits like "Hey Girl" from Easy On My Eyes tugged at the hearts of long-time fans. Sanchez's ability to meld modern songwriting with nostalgic, classic tones was nothing short of magical.
However, it wasn’t all just song and dance. The show took a hilarious turn during an intermission styled as a late-night T.V. interview between Connie Co and Stephen. Their playful banter, combined with Stephen’s spot-on impression of Kermit the Frog singing "Ain't No Mountain High," had the audience roaring with laughter. This blend of humor and music made the show feel more like a live variety special than a traditional concert, and the crowd ate it up.
As the performance progressed, the show's Friday the 13th theme came into play. A sinister laugh echoed through the theater as the lights turned blood-red, leading into a dramatic performance of "Wolves." The haunting energy of the song, paired with the ominous lighting, gave fans a chill-inducing experience – a perfect nod to the spooky date.
The night wrapped up with an explosive finish. Sanchez took a moment to serenade the crowd with his heartfelt hit, "Until I Found You," creating an emotional high point. Then, the energy skyrocketed with a full-throttle performance of "Shake," where the stage transformed into a joyous rock-out session. In an unexpected twist, Connie Co joined the fun on guitar for a wild "shake-off" between Stephen, the band, and the host, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Stephen Sanchez delivered a concert that felt more like a nostalgic TV special mixed with live musical brilliance. It was fresh, quirky, and unforgettable – an experience that fans will be talking about long after the curtain closed.
Article and Photo Gallery by Makenna Cordiano