In delightful anticipation, hundreds of concert-going divas lined up in a winding path across the streets of Philadelphia. In typical fashion for an Ashnikko show, the crowd was decked out in trinkets and gizmos alike. The Fillmore in Philadelphia was packed fuller than I have ever seen in my decade attending concerts in the area. Despite the large crowd and massive excitement, the energy from fans was so polite and kind. Everyone was supporting each other to have an incredible night. The participation of the trinket exchange station provided an atmosphere of creative community.
With support from Googly Eyes and Royal & the Serpent, the tone for the evening was set early on. Enchanting lyrics and echoing vocals was a theme that alluded to the main set to come. The crowd was moving and ready for the experience to come. Before we knew it, the room was transported into the dark depths of Ashnikko’s purse. Crawling through a tiny door, tucked safely by the bitten Babybel cheese, Ashnikko emerged from another dimension.
Opening with the hit song “Sticky Fingers” off their album “Smoochies”, divas in the crowd tucked their lip gloss into their thigh-high boots and prepared to dance the night away. Two incredible dancers joined Ashnikko on stage which only provided further dimension to the elaborate choreography. Cycling between newer and older songs, the setlist was just as multidimensional as the performance aspect. Drawing the crowd through a storyline of the “Smoochies” universe, the whole night was a celebration of Ashnikko’s range of artistic ability.
Even with the sensational dramatic act of the night, Ashnikko still took multiple opportunities to engage with the fans. Crowing “Smoochie Girl of the Night” and a hat contest winner, there were multiple opportunities for the crowd to engage with Ashnikko. The thoughtful composure of the crowd inclusion really topped off the community aspect of the event. And if you didn’t make a friend in the crowd, you could have stopped at the trinket table on the way out as one last hurrah of the night.
Overall, the evening did not disappoint. The energy and atmosphere was beyond insanely beautiful. The vocals and performance aspect were completely over the top. The crowd interaction and storyline of the evening just tied the whole event together. If you haven’t seen Ashnikko on tour yet, the Smoochies Tour is a must see!
