NEEDTOBREATHE w/Judah the Lion opening at Orion Amphitheater
May 24th, 2024 – It was a beautiful evening in Huntsville, Alabama with NEEDTOBREATHE headlining Orion Amphitheater on their CAVES World Tour. Judah and the Lion, Nashville’s alt-folk duo kicked off the show with a high energy, crowd-elevating performance. The band recently released their fifth studio album, The Process, a heartbreaking walk through the journey of love lost. It’s a raw look at the process of grief, anger and all the highs and lows we must go through as we battle the ache and courageously face the act of loving once more.
Lead singer, Judah Akers, paid special attention to the fans that night, connecting with them as he shared the vision of hope through the music. He addressed fans, motioning to them with high energy and eye contact, throughout the song Only Want the Best. He let them know he only wanted the best for them as he captivated the audience in a way that made people feel included and a little less alone. It was a passionate display of what it’s like to navigate through the intensity of vulnerability.
Judah took some time to run through the crowd to high five and take selfies with fans, further bringing together the audience for a night of much needed presence and connection. Perhaps it’s moments like these that artists feel a little less alone. The freedom of vulnerability is a shared experience when someone kicks it off in a brave way. The door felt open to just be. To dance. To connect with other music lovers embracing the beauty of the open air amphitheatre there in Huntsville. Even through heartache, no matter how deep and dark, it is possible to find some solace in the relatability of this soul shattering human experience. And the hope exists in believing that strength and healing are also possible.
As NEEDTOBREATHE took the stage the energy raised to greater heights as the lights swiftly changed across the stage, presenting the venue with a massive screen of themed backdrops. The band, who is known for their Christian influenced lyrics, showed up and poured out to the packed crowd in the amphitheater that night. They’ve managed to crossover into a mainstream audience by the relatable and authentic nature of their look and sound. They’re imperfectly real with their audience which enables them to connect with others who are walking a raw and honest journey of faith. Being honest about our imperfections, and our deep need for something greater than ourselves, portrays a more relatable Christian walk in this modern world. Sounding incredible live under that big Alabama sky, they sang Banks, Who Am I, Wasting Time, West Texas Wind, and a whole plethora of crowd favorites. One after another.
For those familiar with their CMT Campfire Sessions, they brought the vibe to life that night at Orion as they gave a slower, more intimate performance, surrounded by fans at the end of the extended stage. The set included storytelling, reflection and several songs that encouraged the audience to be present, love one another, and give back to the foster care system right there in Huntsville. Every dollar for each ticket sold went towards the foster care system in the Huntsville, Alabama area. NEEDTOBREATHE has raised millions of dollars through their For Others intiative addressing the child welfare crisis across America. The band is walking the walk by taking moments like these during their shows to address the audience and shed light on the importance of supporting the foster system in our communities.
As they sat and played “Fall on Me,” they most certainly reached the heart of the audience:
You were there to pick me up
And tell me I was good enough
It doesn’t matter what I’ve done
You pull me closer
The highs and lows and in-betweens
You’re the one that’s there for me
When I hurt and when I bleed
You make it better
You make it better
You will always be
You will always be
The one that I can call
The safest place to fall
For me
When I can’t stand
When I can’t stand
You always find the best in me
The diamonds hiding underneath
Every insecurity
That I can’t cover
I can leave ’em at the door
You never need me to be more
Than who I am if I am yours
And I am yours now
I am yours now
NEEDTOBREATHE is one band you’ll be incredibly impressed by when you see them live. This is one southern rock band that is nurturing a deep void in the hearts of the American heartland. Their expanding their territory one show at a time, rightfully so, and making a noticeable impact as they go.
NEEDTOBREATHE
http://www.Needtobreathecares.org
Judah and the Lion
http://www.Judahandthelion.com
Shana Leigh @shanaleighphoto
