UPSAHL at the Crystal Ballroom, Portland
UPSAHL gets the party started as a fantastic opener for Madison Beer’s Spinnin Tour. Words and photos by Jenny Shackleton.
Last week, the illustrious Crystal Ballroom played host to a mesmerizing performance by UPSAHL, who set the stage ablaze as the opening act for the sensational Madison Beer. The atmosphere was electric as she effortlessly blended genres, weaving together soulful ballads and high-energy anthems. From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, her magnetic presence held the audience captive. Songs like “Drugs” and “Lady Jesus” served as great call and response interactions, with their lyrics echoing through the historic venue. UPSAHL’s vocals soared, hitting every emotional note with precision. The crowd swayed, danced, and sang along, creating an unforgettable synergy. Even the slight overcrowding couldn’t dampen the spirits; instead, it intensified the shared experience. As UPSAHL poured her heart into each song, the crowd reciprocated with cheers, applause, and a palpable sense of connection. UPSAHL was the perfect choice to open up for someone like Madison Beer. She got the party started and by the end of the set, the crowd was pumped up and ready to enjoy the rest of the night.
Jenny Shackleton (she/her) is a photographer based in Portland, OR, originally hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Her love for live music started over 15 years ago after seeing the Jonas Brothers perform on their Burning Up tour in 2008 and the rest is history. As a naturally shy person, it’s surprising she feels so comfortable at concerts with hundreds of people attending, but has always believed that they are special, somewhat liminal, spaces. Everyone is there for the same reason: to have the best night and see artists pour their souls’ onto the stage. That is what Jenny likes to capture in her photos. Jenny enjoys spending time outside with her partner and their dog, watching movies, and owning way too many sneakers.