Joshua, oh Joshua. You continuously blow us all away, myself included. On Saturday August 24, Byline Banks iconic Aragon Ballroom hosted opener Thomas Day and headliner Joshua Bassett for an incredible performance the audience would never forget.
Bassett is famously known for his time on Disney’s very own High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and quickly rose to fame after season one released back in 2019.
After Thomas Day’s energetic opening performance, fans patiently waited for Bassett to command the stage. As I waited in the photo pit with camera in hand, I could feel the anticipation circling throughout the air. Photographers and concert goers alike were both excited for what the night had in store.
“Joshua, Joshua, Joshua!” fans chant in the GA pit minutes before their desired artist finally greets them under the spotlight. When Bassett proudly ran towards center stage to ultimately fulfill his destiny of performing one of the most exciting and vulnerable shows in Chicago, fans went absolutely crazy.
He instantly brought an energy so lively fans couldn’t help but scream.
From there, Bassetts’ show was all around remarkable. Every few songs brilliantly changed tempo; fans jumping and dancing one moment to whipping out their flashlights and swaying back and forth the next.
The vulnerabilities Bassett confidently expressed to his fans while opening up about mental health issues is something I find extremely remarkable and relatable. It’s especially noteworthy when the spotlight that glowed down on him was as big as the moon, if not bigger. It really added to the ambiance of the show. To highlight such sensitive topics and allow his fans to better understand him as a person is something I believe all artists could and should learn from. It really shows that while yes, he is an artist, he’s just like the rest of us as well.
An artist, a lifeline, a human, Joshua Bassett is a spiritual force who can’t help but make his audience feel seen and welcomed with open arms.
It was an honor to listen to him live and I hope Chicagoans consider seeing and feeling his music next time Bassett decides to stop and visit this welcoming windy city.
All photos taken by Samantha Irgang for Roadhouse Magazine
