BY: ALLIE RUSSELL
Wednesday night at The Salt Shed in Chicago, fans were treated to a night full of romance, nostalgia, and showmanship from Stephen Sanchez as he brought his ‘Troubadour Sanchez’ persona to life. The Salt Shed, a newer venue with a spacious, welcoming layout, was buzzing with excitement. Fans dressed to match the retro, old-timey aesthetic of Sanchez’s show-full suits, vintage dresses, and hair carefully done up-set the tone for an incredible night.
Before Sanchez took the stage, the crowd was warmed up by five-piece band The Brook & The Bluff, hailing from Birmingham Alabama. From the moment they launched into their opening song, their musicianship was evident. The band’s playful energy was contagious-each member looking like they were having the time of their lives, spinning and kicking across the stage effortlessly. Their sound was both smooth and flowy, blending vocal harmonies with punchy instrumentation. The high point of their performance came with “Don’t Go Slippin’ Away”, a song packed with infectious energy and impressive lighting to match. By the end, they had the entire venue moving, making it clear why they’re a rising star in the folk-rock scene.
As the lights dimmed and the “Connie Co Show” stage set was revealed, the anticipation in the room was palpable. Stephen Sanchez stepped into his alter ego, “The Troubadour Sanchez”, a character dripping in old-school charm. The set design resembled that of a vintage talk show, complete with old-timey lighting, cameras, and a desk where Sanchez would later sit for a mid-show “interview”. The attention to detail was remarkable, transporting the audience back to another era.
Sanchez kicked off the show with “Evangeline,” immediately captivating the crowd as his band played far back on the stage, giving him room to command the floor. His stage presence was magnetic as he worked the crowd, often smiling and engaging with fans in the front rows. The warm hues of yellow and red lighting added to the intimate, nostalgic atmosphere, enhancing the throwback energy Sanchez embodies so well.
By the impressive guitar solo in fourth song “Doesn’t Do Me Any Good”, the entire crowd was swooning, and the energy only grew from there. “No One Knows” was a standout, with the band’s tightness and Sanchez’s strong delivery creating a show-stopping moment. But it was during “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” where things took a surprising turn- Sanchez jumped into the crowd and stood on the bar to serenade fans further into the room. Sanchez’s cover of “Oh, Pretty Woman” was another crowd favorite as he teased, “alright girls, you ready to dance?” before launching into the classic.
One of the most unique aspects of the show was Sanchez’s interaction with the host, Connie Co, who “interviewed” him mid-set at the vintage talk show desk. Sanchez answered fan questions, revealing that he once wanted to be an English teacher or barber, and even that he took a Malort shot while in Chicago. He then shifted the mood with an acoustic rendition of “What Love Did to Us,” a new song that felt raw and deeply personal. Another new track, “Still Burning,” brought the energy back up, setting the mood for the rest of the night.
During “High,” Sanchez once again ventured into the crowd, this time making it to the very back of the room. And of course, the moment everyone was waiting for: “Until I Found You,” his smash hit, sounded even better live with the crowd singing word for word back to him.
Sanchez closed the night with “Shake”, a high-energy finale that left the entire room dancing. The live version of the song showcased its tight rhythm and infectious groove, highlighting just how dynamic Sanchez and his band are in a live setting. As the final notes rang out the audience erupted in applause and screams, clearly impressed by the show’s mix of creativity, personality, and talent.
Overall, Stephen Sanchez’s performance at the Salt Shed was a masterclass in blending old-school charm with modern production. The combination of his unique stage persona, his undeniable vocal talent, and his ability to take the audience back in time made for an unforgettable night. If you’re a fan of his music, seeing him live is a must- it’s an experience that not only matches the charm of his recordings but elevates it to a whole new level.
Distracted 
Leave a comment