Neko Case and John Grant at Belly Up Tavern
On November 9th, The Belly Up Tavern hosted an unforgettable night of artistry and emotion as Neko Case took the stage with opener John Grant, two powerhouse performers who delivered mesmerizing performances in their own distinctive and compelling styles.
John Grant, the American-Icelandic singer-songwriter best known for his work with The Czars and his genre-bending solo career, opened the night with a set that rattled the walls – literally. His deep, resonant voice filled the small venue, vibrating through the crowd with every piano chord. There’s a certain Billy Joel-esque quality to his delivery: confident, soulful, and rooted in storytelling.
Grant’s introspective and politically charged lyrics hit hard against his blend of synth-pop, rock, and balladry. Midway through the set, he leaned into a more psychedelic sound by layering and swirling atmospheric textures over his voice. It was certainly a bold move that surprised the older crowd who was impatiently waiting for Neko Case. Despite mixed reactions, even those unfamiliar with his work couldn’t deny the sheer power of his performance.
When Neko and her band stepped onto the stage, bathed in a wash of amber light, the energy in the room began to shift. She opened with “People Got a Lotta Nerve,” tambourine in hand, tapping it against her thigh as the crowd immediately lit up. Hearing Case’s familiar honeyed voice, both sweet with nostalgia and raw with power, felt like stepping into the warmth of a beloved childhood memory.
This tour comes on the heels of Case’s first new album in seven years, Neon Grey Midnight Green, released earlier this fall. The record, blending lush soundscapes and introspective lyricism, finds Case exploring themes of resilience, memory, and transformation, a natural evolution for an artist whose work has always balanced vulnerability with strength. Though much of the setlist leaned into her beloved classics, new material including songs like “Wreck” and “Destination” broke through with the same emotional depth, reminding fans that even after decades in music, Case still continues to evolve without losing her unmistakable voice and vision.
Case’s set was a seminar in soul and sincerity. During “Deep Red Bells,” she and tour member Nora O’Connor delivered a stunning vocal performance, their voices blending with raw emotion as Case’s howl met O’Connor’s soaring harmonies. Saxophonist Adam Schatz added another layer of beauty to the mix, as his notes coiled around their voices like smoke.
True to her storytelling nature, Case shared the backstory behind “Magpie to the Morning,” a beloved song she originally wrote for a film in 2009. She spoke candidly about the frustration of pouring herself into the song, driving herself crazy to perfect it, only to learn she wouldn’t be paid for her work. When she performed it, her voice carried both sorrow, and defiance, the unmistakable sound of an artist who has lived every word she sings.
Audience members were informed upon entering the venue that Case had requested no electronic devices be visible during the show. The crowd respected the request, creating a rare atmosphere of focus and connection, a shared moment between artist and audience that has become increasingly uncommon in the age of phone screens. It was a night defined by mutual respect and intimacy, the kind of experience only live music can offer.
She closed with “Star Witness” , a song that encapsulates everything that makes Neko Case, Neko Case. Her vivid storytelling, aching melody, and a voice that can both shatter and soothe. It was the perfect ending to a night of pure, unfiltered artistry.