Sarah McLachlan with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra @ Artpark Lewiston, NY 7-31-19

Artpark has been around since the mid 1970’s as the inside venue has hosted numerous events since that time. These would include, theatrical plays, graduations and various concert performances. The venue is really built to host a big ensemble of musical explorations. A great example of that was this was held this past Wednesday. The Buffalo Philharmonic was joined by contemporary artist Sarah McLachlan. Her band which consisted of a drummer, bassist and guitarist who were backed by the B.P.O

The show was scheduled for an 8pm prompt starting time but due to the amount of people still flowing in, the show was delayed about 12 minutes. McLachaln took to the stage amidst of round of applause as she smiled and waved to the crowd. The music for “Possession” soon stared and McLachlan and her angelic voice began the nights festivities. The song was followed up by one of her biggest hits “Building a Mystery,” as she took her place behind the grand piano. This was the theme for the entire night as McLachlan bounced back and for the between singing acapella and tickling the ivories on the Yamaha piano. She described the third track “Adia” as an ode to her longtime friend. Throughout the show, it became a storytellers type of show as McLachlan described how a lot of her tracks came about. She was was very witty, poking fun at herself for wring another (as she would say) depressing breakup song. She talked about how it was cathartic it was to write “Song For My Father.” This was about the love of her dad, who succumbed to cancer eight years ago.

The house was packed as it was just about sold out. You can hear a woman shout out “I love You Sarah!” as she was just about to go into “Forgiveness.” McLachlan smiled and answered her I “I love you too!” That was a theme the entire night as you can feel the connection Mclachlan was making with her audience. McLachlan played an acoustic guitar for the start of set 2. Those songs which she donned the 6 string for were: “Building a Mystery” and “Hold On.” Before she started to play “U want Me To,” she quipped; “here is another song about divorce,” as many in the crowd laughed. She dedicated “Sweet Surrender’ to her children. The last song of the evening was where she got the crowd involved as they helped her sing along some of the parts to “Ice Cream.” McLachlan returned for a 3 song encore which ended with the beautiful but wrenching song in “Angel.”

I have to remark, I didn’t see anyone leaving before the encores or at anytime during the performance. That’s a rarity for any show. The reason being is because McLachlan had everyone attention from start to finish. She along with the backing of the crown jewel B.P.O, gave the fans a memorable night of music!

Set 1:

Possession

I Will Remember You

Adia

Song For My Father

In Your Shoes

Fallen

Forgiveness

Rivers of Love

Set 2:

Building a Mystery

Hold On