by Jon Bauer
5 years after his first visit to the majestic Grace Cathedral, Ry Cuming (AKA RY X) returned to play his first of two sold out shows last night. It was a transcendent evening.
Kicking off the night was his vulnerable and passionate song “Sweat” which set the tone for the rest of the show where he played selections from his four album discography. At one point, he paused the music to take three questions from the audience, which led to some insightful discussions about his childhood on a tiny island in Australia (Woodford Island), his artistic process, and unconditional love.
RY X has a look, a vibe, a sound, a feeling. Many in the audience were dressed in a similar fashion with their flowing fabrics and wide brimmed hats.
After commenting about how well behaved the audience was, RY X asked people to STOP behaving so well, and they flooded the floor of the cathedral to surround him during his finales of “Howling” and an acoustic “Only.”
Opening the night was American composer and producer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, who warmed up the crowd with her electronic and ambient sounds played on her synthesizers and keyboards. The lights illuminating her with Nob Hill’s most striking cathedral framing her on all sides.
Thanks to Hotbox for bringing this show back to the place where it belongs.
RY X:
Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith:
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