The Grammy-nominated band Black Pumas played a sold-out 4-night hometown mini residency at the ACL Live Moody Theater in Austin. We were lucky enough to catch their energy-packed shows.
Fronted by the duo of singer-songwriter Eric Burton (vocals, guitar) and producer Adrien Quesada (guitar), the Black Pumas delivered an exhilarating set. Throughout the night, the band ignited crowd participation, encouraged dancing, and singing along. At one point, Burton parted the crowd and jumped off the stage into the crowd.
Not defined by a single genre, the duo displayed their wide breadth of musical expertise. The evening’s set list (see below), easily swayed between high energy grooves to chill soulful ballads that had the crowd mesmerized. However, each song had one common deliverable — each song made you feel alive.
The highlight of the night was watching the magical chemistry between Burton and Quesada. They seemed to be having pure and authentic fun. The duo exchanged riffs and dashed across the stage, all in front of a backdrop of massive pumas on a black screen with glittering teeth.
The 14-song set lasted a little under 90 minutes. It included many songs from their latest album “Chronicles of a Diamond”. The show closed out with a performance of their beautiful chart topper “Colors” that had the entire audience singing every word.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the opener for the Pumas, the talented Danielle Ponder. Her powerful voice and impactful lyrics stunned the crowd. Originally a public defender from Rochester, NY, we’re thankful she bravely switched her career to music as her voice is ethereal, deeply soulful, and spine-tingling. And in-step with her previous career, her music continues her fight for justice and empowerment.
Ponder posted on social media that the Pumas were one of her favorite bands. Watching her enjoy their set from the VIP section was everything. Check out her 2022 album, “Some of Us Are Brave”.
See our full show galleries on Austin 101 Magazine.
Setlist:
Fire
Gemini Sun
Know You Better
Black Moon Rising
Sauvignon
Ice Cream (Pay Phone)
Angel
More Than a Love Song
Confines
Chronicles of a Diamond
Mrs. Postman
Stay Gold
OCT 33
Colors
