Houston based, R&B and soul group, The Suffers, were the second opener for New Orleans native, Big Freedia, at Emo’s Saturday night. Their self proclaimed, "Gulf Coast Soul" celebrates the melange of different cultures blending together in one of the most diverse cities in the United States.
Their blend of African American soul, Cajun, Caribbean, and Mexican music, lead by the powerhouse vocals of front woman Kam Franklin, gave spiritual energy to an eager audience and turned Emo’s into a house of musical worship.
Franklin emulated some serious Diana Ross vibes, with her signature natural hair and a matching silver sequin outfit. When the horn section wasn’t blasting their instruments, they were backing up their leading lady in true doo-wop fashion, dancing and clapping in synchronized rhythm.
Not only did Franklin give a religious like performance to a congregation ready to receive the spirit, playing songs like "Make Some Room" and "Do Whatever", but she also delivered a powerful sermon, imploring the audience to continue to support live music and the artists who give us so much. She also gave recognition to local Austin artists like The Vapor Caves, Jackie Venson, and Gary Clark Jr.
Her message is a strong reminder of the struggle most local musicians face, especially in a growth explosion city like Austin. As patrons of the arts, she reminded us that it is our responsibility to support and show up for artists whose music we consume.
– Amy Arnold
“Excuse! I don’t mean to be rude, just give me that mic and let me do what I do”
The queen diva had arrived in Austin on Saturday to bring her New Orleans-based, twerk-filled, bounce music to the Central Texas masses. Igniting the dance party with hits like “Louder” and “Ya’ll Get Back Now”, Big Freedia and her troupe of high-energy backup dancers assaulted every part of the audience’s sensory in the best way possible.
A room full of booty-shakers swooned as their iconic orchestrator led them through a series of earth-shattering and dance-inducing hits. Bangers like “Y’tootsay” and “Mo Azz” whipped the crowd into a frenzy while the gravity-defying theatrics of Big Freedia’s stage dancers kept a manic energy at full tilt. A twerk contest for concert-goers culminated in a stage full of local aspiring glute masters showcasing their goods while Big Freedia oversaw their efforts like a drill sergeant on new recruits.
While nearly half of Freedia’s set list comprised of cover songs, it was her original track’s that brought out the diva’s rhapsodic spirit and vim. Ending with tracks like “Rent”, “I Heard” and “Gin In My System” – the audience hit a critical mass of dance exuberance. Even after Big Freedia left the stage, the party continued on into the night with members of the crowd and back up dancers trading dance moves while they basked in the afterglow of raucous yet perfect night of dancing.
-Lee Ackerley