On a crisp November night, The Anthem in Washington, D.C., was packed to the brim for a sold-out performance by Leon Bridges, with Hermanos Gutiérrez opening. The venue nestled along the water, which set the perfect scene for an evening of inspiring and soulful music. By the night’s end, an intimate memory was sure to have been made.
Hermanos Gutiérrez took the stage first, creating an atmosphere thick with desert mystique. Bathed in an orangish-red light, the duo performed a few songs from their new album Sonito Cosmico, while their sound transported the audience into a smoky desert landscape. Their set included tracks like “’Til We Meet Again,” dedicated to D.C. with a heartfelt nod to their Tiny Desk Concert two years prior. “Esperanza,” where they took a moment to express their thanks for the friendships made on tour and to Leon Bridges for inviting them on this musical journey. Closing their set with “El Desierto,” they left the room calm yet energized, ready for their headliner.
Leon Bridges emerged, dressed in a bold, yellow outfit with ruffled sleeves and dark sunglasses; he exuded retro-chic flair along with the rest of his band. Opening with “When a Man Cries,” his signature, soulful voice with a touch of rasp filled the room, captivating everyone. His voice sounds like each lyric was meant just for the listener. Bridges’ stage presence was magnetic, as he would move with rhythm and emotion to the music crafted by his band. Around the venue, couples slow-danced, fully immersed in the mood he was creating.
As the set continued, he sang “Panther City,” “Better Man,” and “Laredo”. Bridges’ ability to adlib phrases in between lyrics as if he were talking directly to a lover adds to the intimacy of his shows. He speaks out as if reading from his journal, his direct reflection and perspective of how someone makes him feel.
Halfway through the set, he performed “Texas Sun.” The stage was lit with golden hues and draped with curtains that added to the dreamlike vibe. The track, a crowd favorite from his collaboration with Khruangbin, was given a special touch with Bridges on the guitar. The song was very cozy and warm, which was enhanced by the sunshine-colored lights piercing through the crowd.
Bridges continued with hits like “Bad Bad News” and “If It Feels Good”. His energy was infectious as he grooved and moved with the beat. His retro-inspired fashion gave the night a throwback feel, as though the crowd had been transported to another time. The room felt like a scene from a different era, with a hint of modern edge.
As he performed the soothing ballad “River,” the crowd fell silent. The song was slightly slower than the original, his voice dripping with raw sentiment, and the audience was in awe as if they had been baptized. Bridges’ ability to transform a large, sold-out venue into an intimate setting is a testament to his talent. He began winding down with “Lisa Sawyer,” a touching tribute
to his mother, where he gave us a peek into what it was like growing up as a child from his perspective while simultaneously showing admiration and love for his mother’s journey. There was so much love in the room now; you could feel it.
For the night’s final song, “Beyond,” audience participation really peaked. You could see everyone in the room singing and dancing along, savoring the last moments of an incredible show. It was a celebration of love—a fitting end to an evening where the music felt like an invitation to dream and revel in your own heartfelt emotions.
As the final notes echoed through The Anthem, the audience slowly filed out, dancing their way to sidewalks and out into the bustling city. The evening celebrated connection, with Hermanos Gutierrez and Leon Bridges offering music and a profound sense of shared humanity. In a world that often feels divided, the performance served as a reminder of music’s power to unite people—uniting hearts through rhythm, love, and soul. We all need “a lil’ more of this, a lil’ less of that.”
