Intimate and Powerful: Sierra Spirit Opens for David Grey in Portland
Words and photos by Jenny Shackleton
Sierra Spirit, hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and deeply connected to her Otoe-Missouria and Keetoowah Cherokee roots, brought a touch of her cultural heritage to Portland, OR on February 6th. As the opening act for David Grey at Keller Auditorium, Sierra captivated the audience with her heartfelt performance. Earlier in the day, she treated a few lucky fans to an intimate acoustic session with a local radio station, showcasing her raw talent and connecting with her listeners on a personal level.
The Keller Auditorium was filled with a diverse crowd of all ages, eagerly awaiting the evening’s performances. Sierra, accompanied only by her guitarist, managed to capture the attention of the entire room. Her soulful voice and poignant lyrics, drawn from her debut EP ‘coin toss,’ resonated deeply with the audience. Songs about loss, love, and mental health struggles were delivered with such honesty and emotion that it was impossible not to be moved.
Sierra’s performance was a testament to her ability to connect with people through her music. The simplicity of her setup, just her and her guitarist, allowed her powerful storytelling to shine through. The audience was left in awe, not just of her vocal prowess, but of the authenticity and depth she brought to the stage. It was a night to remember, and Sierra Spirit undoubtedly gained many new fans in Portland.
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.