Show Review: Shura at Doug Fir Lounge
As one of Portland’s hottest local venues, the Doug Fir Lounge is prone to host some incredible, jaw dropping performances. It should have been no surprise, then, that UK electro-pop sensation, Shura, lit up the stage on September 28.
First to the stage was Quinn Christopherson, the winner of this year’s Tiny Desk Concert. Christopherson’s chillingly personal, utterly heartbreaking and melancholic twinkle kicked the night off with a beautifully queer, sad poetry. Known openly as a transgender artist, Christopherson’s raw lyrics opened wounds that needed to breathe.
Next, enter: Shura. Known for her groovy beats and smooth, tenderly gay romantic lyrics, Shura is unequivocally charming. She kicked off the night with sentimental jams “BKLYNLDN” and “religion (u can lay your hands on me),” getting the crowd moving, cheering and dancing along. Having walked onstage wearing her signature white hat, she instinctively took it off in order to rock out, moving from one side of the stage to the other so as not to miss a single adoring fan.
The sold out venue was entirely electrified, all eyes glued to the stage. Shura made time to chat with her fans in between songs, inviting the audience to toss a little banter back her way. Nearing the end of the set, Shura reached out her hand to the audience members at the front of the stage, solidifying her status as a pop icon. She then went on to let everyone know that they were welcome to say hello to her at the merch booth after the show, and to not “be too shy” (a wink at her next song, “2Shy”).
A performance too incredible to pass up, Shura comes highly recommended! Be sure to catch her newest release: “Forevher”.
