A Unified Audience and Ethereal Vibes: Soccer Mommy in Portland
Words and photos by Jenny Shackleton
Last week, Soccer Mommy, the musical project of Nashville’s Sophie Allison, graced the stage at Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR. In a heartwarming gesture, Sophie requested the venue to merge the typically divided all-ages and 21+ sections, creating a more intimate and unified atmosphere. The venue honored her wish, and the result was a warm, inclusive environment that perfectly complemented the emotional depth of her performance. This was a stark contrast to her last appearance in Portland at the Project Pabst festival last July, where the setup was more conventional.
The stage was a visual delight, adorned with prop flowers and a large projection screen that displayed dreamy patterns throughout the show. The lighting shifted in harmony with the music, enhancing the ethereal vibe of the evening. Soccer Mommy’s setlist included fan favorites like “Circle the Drain” and “Your Dog,” as well as tracks from her latest album, Evergreen. The audience was captivated by the raw and relatable lyrics, which have always been a hallmark of Allison’s songwriting.
Sophie Allison began her career as a teenager, sharing near-demo form music on Bandcamp. Over the years, she has evolved, experimenting with synthesizers and enjoying the endless studio resources at her fingertips. However, when she wrote the songs for Evergreen, she opted for a more organic production to keep the songs raw and honest. This album marks a return to Soccer Mommy’s roots, but with a cinematic touch, featuring acoustic guitars, lush strings, and flutes. The performance at Crystal Ballroom was a testament to Allison’s ability to connect with her audience through unvarnished and heartfelt music.
Overall, Soccer Mommy’s concert at Crystal Ballroom was a memorable experience, blending emotional depth with visual artistry. The merged sections and intimate atmosphere made the evening feel special, and Sophie’s heartfelt performance left a lasting impression on everyone present.
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.