Sammy Rae & The Friends Bring A Real Good Time to Philadelphia
April 12, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA
The leg of the Something For Everybody Tour kicked off in the great city of Philadelphia, at The Fillmore; the 3,000 person-capped venue in the Fishtown district. Doors opened at 7pm with the show at 8, and a line down the street.
Opening the show was Philadelphia native Zinadelphia, who’s soulful voice and retro groove brought audiences to their feet. Zinadelphia played a 30-minute set, with an unreleased song being thrown into the mix. She showcased her powerful belt, emotions weaving their way through every note. She emitted the warmest vibe from behind the microphone, delivering a powerful show that had fans excited for what was to come next.
After the lights dimmed, the band-intro-album-starter “The Friends Intro” began to play, as each band member moved onto the stage and positioned themselves at their instruments. The six-piece backing band labeled as ‘The Friends’ each had a moment to shine. Sammy Rae appeared at center stage, throwing her arms out towards the crowd as they began “Thieves.” Sammy Rae moved around the stage with such ease, with a stage presence that commanded the entire room.
Moving through the setlist, the goal was to perform all of the songs from the newest album Something For Everybody. A few songs in and the audience was shocked when Sammy Rae & The Friends began a slowed cover of “That’s All” by Genesis, earning a surprised cheer.
Pausing from the music, Sammy Rae brought to the audience's attention that it was their guitarist, Will Leets’, birthday, and a stagehand brought out a cake, prompting the audience to sing him Happy Birthday.
Continuing on, the lights dimmed and Sammy Rae began “I Get It Now”, which was a slower ballad that brought the room to a stunned silence. Continuing in the same atmosphere, “David” was up next, Sammy Rae explaining the meaning of the song and its tie to the importance of the conversation of mental health, especially in males. The audience remained silent as if to listen to every word and take them all to heart.
As a mood-shifter, the light-hearted story to the almost fully acoustic “Call Ya Back” was told, and the performance began with a clapping rhythm the audience followed. The song was followed by the acapella jingle for the song, “888-98-CALLYABAK”.
Ending the setlist was a medley of “Good Life”, which featured band introductions, each receiving their own solo moment, to which the audience cheered wildly. Following the song, the band walked off and the lights were blacked out. A few minutes passed, and Sammy Rae appeared onstage once more, this time solo. She explained that she wrote “The State Song” about compromise amongst friends and relationships and serenaded the audience, a single spotlight shining down on her. Transitioning into the next, instrumentalist Debbie Tjong and guitarist Will Leet of The Friends joined Sammy Rae, explaining that the three would previously play acoustic shows together, and had a little tradition of doing so. For the first time since the band’s first tour in 2021, they chose to play a cover of Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” as a result of the pink moon that occurred the same night, captivating the audience with crafted harmonies and beautiful guitar.
To end off the electric night, the audience was taught a section of vocals to use when the band sang the last song. “Coming Home Song” was the final song played, bringing the audience together in unison as they sang out the choruses and swayed together. The strong tune was shared throughout the crowd, all wishing the show would last a little longer.
Sammy Rae instructed the crowd to “make a friend”- a usual remark that follows the shows. Once again, the band was introduced, then joined together at the center of the stage to bow one last time. Sammy Rae & The Friends brought a magical, groove-soaked performance to Philadelphia that got the city of brotherly love on their feet and sharing the soul.
