Three is a Charm for Colbie Caillat at Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap got a dazzling bolt of California sunshine last night from Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum songstress Colbie Caillat, as she returned for the third time to cap off its summer concert series.
Caillat exuded a palpably positivity and vibrant spirit as she entered the two-tier Filene Center stage to promote her new album, Gypsy Heart, showcasing a well-balanced integration of her chart-topping hits with all new up-tempo songs in a dynamic, 90-minute set.
In “If You Love Me, Let Me Go,” one of her new releases, Caillat examines a breakup with poetic lyrics that is delivered with striking and precise vocal delivery. It discusses the struggle of a partner that is not fully present – one that seems to come and go, and the torn girl who cannot say no.
Another featured single, “Never Gonna Let You Down,” speaks about being there for someone. “I will make you laugh if you ever feel like crying…” a feel good song; a dedication to a friend.
Tracks sung from Gypsy Heart, due out September 30th, illuminated Caillat’s growth and evolving depth as a songwriter, revealing a more sophisticated studio sound and passionate progression to further challenge herself as a musician.
Caillat dazzled fans with her signature fun, happy-go-lucky style, performing a diverse medley of her hits over the past seven years, encouraging everyone to sing and move along with her throughout. The wide-ranging audience members, some in attendence with their entire families, roared with thunderous applause and adoration whenever Caillat performed tracks from her earlier albums.
During “Lucky,” the Grammy Award-winning duet with Jason Mraz, Caillat performed with the assistance of a video feed of Mraz projected on the jumbo screen behind the strategically-produced stage. The catchy song talks about being fortunate that your true love is also your best friend.
“I Do,” another well-received, massive hook hit, was performed to a continuously rotating backdrop of photos submitted from Caillat’s fans, capturing their happiest moments.
Songs like “Bubbly,” Caillat’s debut no. 1 single, along with “Realize,” “The Little Things,” “Fallin’ for You” and “I Never Told You” also got an enthusiastic sing-along from concert goers.
After performing a cluster of classic fan favorites, Caillat added a surprising twist to her set list, covering an acoustic rendition of MAGIC!’s debut hit song, “Rude.” Guest stars and the show openers, Alex & Sierra, joined Caillat on stage, as she played the ukulele and harmonized with creative dimension. At the end of the song, Caillat showed her appreciation for two zealous fans who caught her eye by autographing her ukulele and presenting it to them.
Caillat capped the night with “Brighter Than the Sun,” concluding the concert much the way she began, rallying to an optimistic upbeat, prompting the crowd to rise up out of their seats, leading everyone to sing and dance along.
One of the evening’s most memorable performances was “Try,” the first released single of Gypsy Heart, with its empowering message that true beauty lies in the heart of a person – not in the appearance. The poignant music video, featuring women of varying ages, ethnicities and sizes, is played on the projection screen, as Caillat sings. At the start of the video, Caillat and the other actresses are in full hair and makeup. As the video progresses, layer by layer of cosmetics and products are removed, revealing the women’s natural beauty. Young and old, black and white, freckle-faced and bald – the featured women represent all creeds and kinds, and they are all beautiful without trying. Caillat sends a powerful, musical reminder that we all can and should feel comfortable in our skin at any age.
Through simple, yet impactful, words and sweet, soothing melodies, spanning across a mix of genres, Caillat’s voice and sincerity makes a lasting impression on many generations long after her songs are played.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, including a 30-minute intermission.
Colbie Caillat played one night only on September 8, 2014 at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap – 1551 Trap Road, in Vienna, VA. For future performances and information: call (877) 965-3872, or check out Wolf Trap’s calendar of events.
LINK
Colbie Caillat’s website.
