In the vibrant floral backdrop of a cozy building nestled in Highland Park, a silver-haired woman addresses the bustling crowd gathered on the lively side street of Ave 56.
“Are you guys checking in for Esha Tewari or heading over to Checker Hall?” she calls out, her voice cutting through the eager chatter.
As if parting the Red Sea, groups of tired parents made their way toward Checker Hall for dinner. At the same time, enthusiastic teenage concertgoers spill into the Lodge Room, their excitement radiating from every pore. It’s Tuesday night, and they’ve come to see the budding indie folk pop music sensation and Sydney-based singer-songwriter, Esha Tewari.
By 7:30 pm, half of the intimate venue is crowded with heavy bangs, shifting layered hairstyles, and Demonia platform boots; the air is thick with the scent of Summer Fridays lip gloss. Esha Tewari has sold out the Highland Park venue, which is hosting one of her two highly anticipated shows in LA. No problem; the next one is set for August 15 at the iconic Fonda Theatre. The current year is 2025, but the Tewarians, her devoted fan club, are living their best Y2K lives, eagerly screaming out “Linger” by The Cranberries as they anticipate the soft-spoken opener with Olivia Newton-John bangs, Chrissy, to take center stage.
“Hi, Garrett!” a girl in the crowded room squeals excitedly. Garrett Podgorski steps onto the stage, his acoustic guitar cradled in his hand, followed shortly by the intriguing singer-songwriter, Chrissy.
“You’re so pretty!” another fan shouts from the front row, a testament to the warmth and affection buzzing through the space. As Chrissy begins her set, the audience is gently swept away by the enchanting tunes from her debut album, Heaven Is In You. When she performs “Arm Candy,” a heart-wrenching ballad about an abusive relationship, tears well up in the eyes of a nearby concertgoer, comforted by friends who whisper reassurances that everything will be alright.
After Chrissy’s emotional performance, a swarm of fans races to the back to snag autographs on charming Joshua Tree postcards she had thoughtfully prepared, while others linger in anticipation for the headliner’s arrival.
And when Esha Tewari finally steps onto the stage, the ecstatic scream that erupts from the crowd is electrifying. Esha Tewari, the queen of their hearts, has captivated all in attendance. It doesn’t matter whether they stumbled upon her through her viral TikTok hits “beautiful boy” or “you were mine,” or if they are die-hard Tewarians from the mythical land of Tewaria, you are now a fan. Regardless, this night is transformative, drawing everyone into her enchanting folk-pop lullabies meant for the weary-hearted, including the parents and the throngs of music execs casually stationed by the bar.
As the night unfolds, the screams shift into fervent words of encouragement, echoing the connection Tewari has with her fans as she effortlessly makes jokes and performs her anticipated setlist. Fan favorites like “things i want” and “you were mine” enchant the crowd, but it’s her innovative staging for “waltz” and her haunting cover of Radiohead‘s “Creep” that truly elevate the experience.
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For “waltz,” Tewari encourages the audience to form a circle, rather than a mosh pit, inviting the teenagers to step out of their comfort zones and changing the point of focus from her to them. They hold hands and sway together, their sweet embraces reminiscent of a homecoming dance and formal quinceañera, basking in the moment as they collectively feel seen and serenaded by one of their favorite voices.
Her rendition of “Creep” leaves a deep mark on me, not only for its stunning musicality but for the poignant way it articulates the teenage experience. It resonates deeply within the hearts of the front-row fans, many of whom are navigating the tumultuous seas of adolescence, whether it be love, heartbreak, or the emotional rollercoaster that life inevitably throws their way. Music serves as their solace, and it’s heartwarming to witness a new generation of artists providing their voice when fans may feel silenced.
Chrissy, earlier in the evening, spoke about the solace music and gatherings provide in an increasingly chaotic world. As I immerse myself in Tewari’s performance, I find myself in complete agreement.
Before Tewari’s closing number, she announced that she would be signing autographs, taking selfies, and interacting with fans at the merchandise table. Though she promises to stay only for 15 minutes, the line quickly spirals around the room, and she remains there for close to 40 minutes to an hour. I observe and chat with fans as Esha effortlessly signs merchandise, sharing laughs and genuine moments with as many as she can.
I left the concert with a newfound admiration for the dreamy alternative girls, adorned in eclectic fashions and frilly socks. I eagerly await what enchanting endeavors Esha Tewari and Chrissy will unveil next.
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