In the ever-vibrant realm of music, there’s a particular thrill in discovering emerging talents before they illuminate the global stage. Such was the case in 2019 when Analea Brown, a rising luminary hailing from the serene mountains of Utah, captured my attention with her debut album “Queendom,” soaring to the remarkable heights of #2 on the Billboard Reggae Charts. Since that auspicious debut, I’ve kept a keen eye on her artistic journey, recognizing her as a rare gem nestled within the musical landscape.
Anticipation reached its zenith when news broke of Analea’s inaugural headline show in her hometown of Utah. Determined not to miss this pivotal moment, I embarked on the journey with expectations tempered by a lack of her recent touring activity and scant information about the show’s promoters.
However, any doubts I harbored were quickly dispelled upon my arrival at the venue. A line snaked around the corner, a tangible testament to Analea’s magnetic allure and the palpable anticipation for her performance.
As the evening unfolded with no opening acts scheduled, the anticipation in the air was palpable as the host and DJ Specialist worked to ignite the energy of the growing crowd. VIP tables for all ages and the 21+ tables were quickly snapped up, adding to the buzz of the venue filling rapidly. Immersed in the excitement, I eagerly anticipated Analea Brown’s imminent stage appearance.Then, amidst the lights, music, and dancers, the unexpected roar of cheers erupted not for the stage but for Analea Brown herself, as she made a grand entrance in the middle of the crowd, captivating the audience with her undeniable star power.
The ensuing minutes were a whirlwind of performances on different stages, akin to a stadium concert experience at a fraction of the cost. The Malialole dancers added a cultural richness to the event with their Polynesian rhythms. Smiles abounded from both young and old alike. It was hard to believe that this was Analea’s first headline show in Utah.
Analea then slowed the pace with an emotional moment in the performance, making another unexpected appearance on a side stage, armed with a guitar and a heartfelt dedication. With grace and emotion, she delivered a slow Latin ballad in honor of a band member’s son who had recently passed away. As the haunting melody filled the air, a hula rendition of the song unfolded on another stage, adding layers of depth and beauty to the poignant tribute. The raw emotion of the moment overwhelmed me, and tears welled in my eyes. In that instant, I knew I was witnessing a Star. It was a transcendent experience that left an indelible mark on my soul.
Despite her reggae catalog, she effortlessly explored other genres, proving that her musical prowess knows no bounds. But what truly distinguished her was the variety of talent she brought to the stage.
Foremost among them was her daughter, Redemption, who stole the show with performances that belied her young age of just 11 years old. Her confidence and skill left the audience in awe of her undeniable talent.
But Redemption was just one piece of the puzzle. Analea’s background singers impressed the crowd with their vocal abilities, while the musicians showcased their versatility across genres. With a horn section adding depth and richness to the sound, every element of the performance was finely tuned to perfection.
Analea herself was a force to be reckoned with, effortlessly switching between patois Jamaican rap, rapping with precision and flow, and delivering soul-stirring acapella harmonies that left the audience spellbound. It’s rare to find an artist with such a diverse skill set, and Analea proved that she is truly in a league of her own.
Analea Brown didn’t stop surprising her audience there. She invited special guests to enhance the experience even more. Latin artist Inkabron joined her on stage, seamlessly blending Spanish and Polynesian lyrics. Witnessing her mastery of multiple languages and styles left everyone in awe. Then, the crowd erupted into cheers when the Utah original group Small Axe made an appearance.
For her encore, Analea Brown took the stage with her guitar and jokingly addressed the audience: “You didn’t think I’d leave without doing this one did you?” With that, she launched into an original song sung in various Polynesian languages, showcasing her remarkable versatility and deep cultural connection.
But the night held yet another surprise in store. The appearance of Moana from the Jets added a layer of enchantment to the evening, performing beloved hits spanning generations. Hearing live renditions of “You Got It All” and “Make It Real” with an amazing reggae twist was unforgettable! It was more than just a concert; it was a poignant moment of passing the torch between two family Stars, a beautiful exchange of musical legacy between Moana and Analea. Closing the show with her infectious single “Turn Up,” Analea brought the house down with her electrifying energy and irresistible charisma.
Notwithstanding intermittent technical challenges with the sound production, Analea Brown’s performance shone brightly, a testament to her unwavering talent and professionalism. With each note, she reaffirmed her status as a star in the making, captivating the audience with her mesmerizing vocals, impeccable harmonies, and dynamic stage presence. The intricately choreographed stage plots added an extra layer of visual flair, further enhancing the immersive experience for concertgoers.
In just a few weeks of promotion, Analea Brown drew nearly 1,300 fans to a 2,000-capacity venue, showcasing her dominance as Utah’s leading musical talent. Analea has firmly established herself as a Local Artist with the potential to sell out some of the state’s most prestigious venues, including The Complex, The Depot, Sky Bar, and Soundwell. There’s simply no Utah native who can match her level of success.
In the aftermath of the concert, accolades poured in from attendees, with many proclaiming it as one of the best concerts they had ever experienced. And I wholeheartedly agree. Analea’s performance was not only graceful and talented but also genuine, with her sincere smiles and eagerness to connect with her audience leaving a lasting impression. Analea set the bar and this will undoubtedly cause other artists to bring a more creative production to smaller venues.
Upon hearing her on a podcast, I discovered that Analea Brown is an independent artist. It’s unsurprising that Steve Neeleman, known for founding Health Equity with a remarkable $7 billion valuation, is her initial investor. With such robust support, I anticipate exciting developments ahead for Analea. Having had the privilege of witnessing her inaugural headline show in her native state, I can confidently affirm the sheer brilliance of her performance. Clad in exquisitely tailored attire blending Polynesian motifs with a touch of local 801 pride, I encountered a true star on stage. She is a Billboard Artist, she sings, she’s a musician, she’s a songwriter, she raps, she dances, she entertains and she loves me. A random concert goer, a fan, she sincerely loves me. I believed her. I was there. I felt every moment. I’m eager to see what’s next on the Queen’s journey.
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