In an era where concerts productions are becoming bigger and bigger with massive set pieces and crazy visuals on huge screens, there is something both calming and intimate about seeing an artist take the stage in a toned day manner. On a stage with just a few simple white hanging frames as the backdrop, Lucy Dacus and her band played The Agora for a night focused on music, connection with fans, and playing songs that encompass her career while showcasing what a truly gifted songwriter she is.
Dacus, 1/3 of 3x Grammy-winning act boygenius (alongside Phoebe Bridgers & Julien Baker), is no stranger to Cleveland, having played both The Agora and Beachland Ballroom previously. She reminisced on a time where she would book her own tours and dreamed of headlining the venue she stood in, packed with fans eager to hear her deeply personal music.
This specific tour stop was a continuation of her Forever Is a Feeling Tour that kicked off last year, promoting the album of the same name. I was lucky enough to catch this tour last year while traveling in Scotland, and was excited to find that Dacus changed the setlist immensely for her 2025 run. The updated setlist feels more focused on what Dacus wants to play and what excites fans, rather than focusing specifically on her new album.
Songs like “Strange Torpedo” and “I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore” from Dacus’ 2016 album, ‘No Burden‘ were songs I truly never thought I would hear live, but integrated perfectly into the show. Despite that album being 10 years old, the songs didn’t feel out of place, but instead showcased how Dacus’ songwriting has become even more vulnerable and honest.
Instead of lyrics such as:
“You are one of a kind. / I cannot lie. / You’re wild when your body’s in overdrive.” in “Strange Torpedo”
She’s transitioned to:
“You knew the scenic route. / I knew the shortcut and shut my mouth. / Isn’t that what love’s about? / Doing whatever to draw it out?” on “Forever Is a Feeling.”
Both songs had a moment in the spotlight, both songs are deeply emotional, and both songs showcase that Dacus can perfectly capture a feeling. The growth is noticeable as she has expanded her writing horizons over the years.
VIEW CLEVEROCK’S EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW!
Of course, new music got its moment, too, with fans loving Dacus’ latest single “Planting Tomatoes.”
While she noted that this is her last planned tour for the foreseeable future, hearing a new song played gives me hope that a studio album will be in her future and we wont wait too long without something new from her.
At one point, an ornate couch was brought onto the stage, feeling reminiscent of the stretch of shows in 2022 where Dacus had two herniated discs in her back and had to perform shows laying down on a couch. Thankfully, she was upright this time, but sat during slower, more intimate songs with her band. At one point, frontman for the opening band, Smidley, Conor Murphy, joined Dacus on stage for “Bullseye” (which features Hozier on the studio version).
The encore of the night featured two of Dacus’ most popular songs. Both proved that they are tunes that she enjoys hearing fans sing back to her. “True Blue” comes from boygenius’ 2023 album, ‘The Record,’ but the solo version with just Dacus still shines as bright as with the full band.. The song is about friendship and connection, and seeing a crowd hold their friends and loved ones as they sang was special. To no one’s surprise, the set closed out with “Night Shift” from the 2018 album, ‘Historian.’ For anyone who hasn’t experienced a near sold out show screaming: “You’ve got a 9 to 5 so I’ll take the night shift, and I’ll never see you again if I can help it,” then you haven’t properly lived. There is truly nothing more cathartic and incredible, and it’s obvious that Dacus does not take these moments for granted. The song acted as the perfect sing-along ending to an incredible night, and the best release of any stress at a concert I have ever felt.
Dacus has the ability to captivate an audience with her songs, her voice, and her soft and thoughtful stage presence in a way that needs to be seen live. She isn’t running around on stage to grab the crowd’s attention, instead, letting her songs handle that task. All eyes were on her, and fans were ready to go on whatever journey she decides to take them on. Whether it be more tour dates or another album, the world needs more music from Lucy Dacus. I hope we aren’t left waiting too long.
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