Underdressed Elegance: Faye Webster’s Enchanting Night at McMenamins Edgefield
Faye Webster mesmerized nearly 5,000 fans at McMenamins Edgefield in Portland, turning the outdoor concert into an intimate and magical experience with her soulful music and creative visuals. Words and photos by Jenny Shackleton.
Faye Webster’s concert at McMenamins Edgefield in Portland, Oregon, last week was a mesmerizing experience for nearly 5,000 fans who gathered on the expansive lawn. The outdoor setting provided a perfect backdrop for Webster’s soulful and introspective music, with the crowd swaying gently under the open sky. The atmosphere was electric yet intimate, a testament to Webster’s ability to connect deeply with her audience.
One of the most striking features of the stage setup was a large t-shirt hung up behind the band, serving as a canvas for projections throughout the night. This creative choice added a unique visual element to the performance, enhancing the storytelling aspect of Webster’s songs. The stage itself was whimsically lined with laundry machines, evoking the cozy, everyday feel of a laundromat, which perfectly complemented the themes of her latest album, “Underdressed at the Symphony”.
Faye Webster’s music style is a distinctive blend of indie-folk, Americana, and R&B. Her setlist for the evening included a mix of new tracks and fan favorites, showcasing her versatility and emotional depth. Songs like “But Not Kiss” and “Thinking About You” from her latest album resonated deeply with the audience, while older hits like “Right Side of My Neck” and “Better Distractions” brought a sense of nostalgia. Each song was delivered with Webster’s signature intimate vocal style, making the performance feel personal and heartfelt.
The lighting design played a crucial role in setting the mood for the evening. Dreamy blue lights bathed the stage for most of the songs, creating a serene and almost ethereal ambiance. This choice of lighting not only matched the album’s theme but also added a layer of visual poetry to the performance, making each song feel like a scene from a beautifully crafted film. Overall, Faye Webster’s concert was a memorable blend of music, visuals, and atmosphere. Her ability to transform an outdoor venue into a personal and immersive experience left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. It was a night where the mundane met the magical, and Webster’s artistry shone brightly, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her next performance.
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.