Courtney Barnett
with Cassandra Jenkins @
Palace Theatre // Saint Paul, Minnesota
1.22.2022
Photos + Review by Morgan Winston
Dedicated fans braved a Minnesota snowstorm to see Courtney Barnett perform at Palace Theatre last weekend. Opener Cassandra Jenkins played an intimate set, warming up the crowd for Barnett’s appearance. Her performance showcased her latest album, An Overview on Phenomenal Nature, and highlights included a stunning rendition of “Hard Drive.”
Courtney Barnett began her set with “Rae Street,” the first track on her 2021 album Things Take Time, Take Time. The audience was treated to the best of Barnett’s extensive discography, with songs from each of her albums making an appearance.
In a live setting, Barnett allows the music to do the talking. The experience was a near-continuous stream of gorgeous soundscapes and guitar-playing. Because of this, there is a deep ‘warmth in your chest’ feeling that builds up in the space shared with Barnett’s music. Midway through the set, she slowed down for emotional “Here’s the Thing,” hitting the audience particularly hard. “I don’t know what to say,” “I don’t know what to do,” rang out in the large venue. One can feel the meaning in that song with just the guitar melody.
I left the venue with deep feelings of adoration and respect for Courtney Barnett’s musicality and talent. A truly authentic singer and lyricist, Barnett’s live show feels like a peek behind the curtain into her deepest thoughts, doubts and desires. It was an honor to see her mastery in person.
