On a radiant Saturday evening, Local Natives graced the stage of the Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, Kentucky, as part of their “Time Will Wait for No One, But I’ll Wait for You” Tour on May 11, 2024. Hailing from California, these indie-rock maestros embarked on their tour just this month, and from the first chord, it was clear they were here to leave an indelible mark.
The opening act, Alt/Indie sensation Uwade, set the stage alight with her poignant melodies and heartfelt lyrics. With her light, gentle, and soulful voice, she enveloped the audience in a sense of warmth and familiarity, making them feel right at home. Engaging the crowd with her personal anecdotes and interactive banter, she effortlessly warmed up the audience for the main event. When prompted to choose between covering “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song” by Fleet Foxes or two songs from The Strokes, the crowd roared in favor of The Strokes, a choice that was met with enthusiastic approval.
As the anticipation peaked and the lights dimmed, Local Natives emerged to thunderous applause, kicking off their set with the electrifying “Just Before the Morning” from their 2023 album, Time Will Wait For No One. From there, the night unfolded into a symphony of new tracks like “April” and “Throw It in the Fire,” interspersed with beloved classics such as “Ceilings,” “Heavy Feet,” and “Wide Eyes.”
A highlight of Local Natives’ set was during “Sun Hands,” a fast-paced, high-energy anthem that ignited the crowd. Singer Taylor Rice ventured into the audience, belting out the lyrics “And when I can feel with my sun hands, I promise not to lose her again” before seamlessly rejoining the band on stage for the intense breakdown of the song.
What truly distinguishes Local Natives is their seamless instrument-swapping prowess, all while maintaining their signature sound. The vocal chemistry between Taylor Rice, Kelcey Ayer, and Ryan Hahn was nothing short of magical, their harmonies weaving a tapestry of sonic beauty that enraptured the audience. But what resonated most profoundly was the raw emotion each member poured into every note, a testament to their genuine passion for their craft.
As the night drew to a close, the band delivered a powerful encore, treating fans to soul-stirring renditions of “Paradise” and the iconic “Who Knows, Who Cares.” And with the poignant farewell of “When Am I Gonna Lose You,” Local Natives bid farewell, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of all in attendance.
While the news of Kelcey Ayers’ departure may bring a tinge of sadness, it also heralds a new chapter for the band, one ripe with possibilities. As they embark on their future endeavors, one thing remains certain: Local Natives will continue to enchant and inspire audiences around the world with their unparalleled talent and boundless passion. And with dates throughout the year, including additional performances scheduled for November, the journey is far from over.
Local Natives:
Taylor Rice – Vocals, Guitar
Kelcey Ayer – Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion, Guitar
Ryan Hahn – Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Nik Ewing – Bass, Keyboards, Vocals
Matthew Frazier – Drums
Setlist:
1.Just Before the Morning
2. April
3. Megaton Mile
4. I Saw You Close Your Eyes
5. Coins
6. Throw It in the Fire
7. Ceilings
8. Airplanes
9. NYE
10. Heavy Feet
11. Breakers
12. Alpharetta
13. Past Lives
14. Wide Eyes
15. Dark Days
16. Sun Hands
Encore:
17. Paradise
18. Who Knows, Who Cares
19. When Am I Gonna Lose You
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I have nearly two decades of experience as a concert photographer. Outside of my work behind the camera, I’m a dedicated live music enthusiast, striving to attend as many concerts as possible. My true passion lies in capturing the raw emotion and energy that musicians bring to the stage. Whether it’s a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse, an intimate acoustic set, or an epic festival, I’m always ready to seize the opportunity to document the magic of live music.
