Big Freedia @ 9:30 Club [DC] - 10/29/2019
The queen of bounce music had to fly in her personal physician for her recent 9:30 Club show — she tore a tendon from all the dancing delivered on tour — but even a doctor-ordered boot can't stop Big Freedia, Queen Diva.
The New Orleans bounce sound has grown from the likes of Big Freedia preaching it to the masses. These days, it's interwoven into the DNA of popular music, like Drake's "Nice for What" and Beyonce's "Formation." Bounce is all about forceful repetition, both in beats and lyrics. And all that repetition powers the other thing bounce is known for - twerking. And yes, there was lots of it during songs like "Duffy." And not just from Freedia's backup dancers. Dozens of fans joined Freedia on stage to show their stuff, all at once, and even one-on-one : A twerk off. With DJ Juan at the turntables, everyone in the room was in high spirits, dancing along with the performers on stage.
Big Freedia at 9:30 Club (Photo by Mauricio Castro)
Openers Low Cut Connie is a rock and roll highlight all their own, and getting to experience both artists in one night was a unique treat. Frontman and pianist Adam Weiner cut his teeth in piano bars, and it shows in the way he engages the crowd and gives camera-wielding fans lots of fun photo opportunities. He stood atop his piano, did a one-leg stand on his seat while still playing keys, and he ripped off his tank top - all while his highly entertaining band ripped through "All These Kids Are Way Too High" and even a cover of Prince's "Controversy." As a bonus, Big Freedia brought the band back on stage at the end of her own set to perform Big Freedia's "Gin in my System."
