Sarah McLachlan Shines on 'Fumbling Towards Ecstasy' Anniversary Tour in Philly

Review and live photos from her spectacular set at The Mann alongside special guest Feist

Sarah McLachlan [Matt Bishop/Pop Vulture]

Despite bural humidity and the threat of thunderstorms, Sarah McLachlan turned in a stellar performance last night at The Mann in Philadelphia. Sarah and her special guest Feist both. took the stage a bit early to beat the impending storms, and gave the sweaty capacity crowd a night to remember.

Feist opened the evening with an intimate and captivating performance, setting the perfect tone for the night. Her set was a blend of classic hits and newer material, showcasing her versatility and depth as an artist. She began with "Mushaboom," an upbeat and familiar tune that immediately engaged the audience. The stripped-down acoustic arrangements highlighted her vocal prowess and guitar skills.

Feist's rendition of "1234" was a standout, with the audience singing along to every word. She also performed "I Feel It All" and "My Moon My Man," both of which were met with enthusiastic applause. The set included a few tracks from her latest album, demonstrating her continued evolution as an artist. The highlight of her performance was a hauntingly beautiful cover of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good," which left the audience in awe. Feist's interaction with the crowd was warm and genuine, making the large venue feel surprisingly intimate.

Sarah McLachlan took the stage to a thunderous ovation, beginning her set with the ethereal "Possession," the opening track from her seminal album "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy." The stage setup was minimalist yet elegant, featuring soft lighting and a backdrop that transitioned through various abstract visuals, enhancing the emotional resonance of her music.

McLachlan's voice was as enchanting as ever, effortlessly capturing the emotional depth of each song. She performed the entirety of "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy," celebrating its 30th anniversary with a reverence that delighted long-time fans. Each track was delivered with heartfelt sincerity, from the haunting "Elsewhere" to the uplifting "Good Enough."

"Fear" and "Plenty" were particularly powerful, with McLachlan's voice soaring over the delicate piano and string arrangements. The title track, "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy," was a highlight of the evening, with its introspective lyrics and stirring melody creating a poignant moment.

In addition to the full album performance, McLachlan treated the audience to a selection of her other hits. "Building a Mystery" and "Sweet Surrender" were met with rapturous applause, and "Angel" brought the house to a silent reverence, her voice resonating with a poignant clarity that brought many to tears.

The band, comprised of seasoned musicians, provided a lush and nuanced backdrop to McLachlan's vocals. The arrangements were faithful to the original recordings but with subtle improvisations that added a fresh dimension to the live performance.

Throughout the concert, McLachlan's rapport with the audience was warm and engaging. She shared anecdotes about the writing process of "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy," reflecting on the journey that the album represents. Her gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support over the years was palpable and reciprocated by the crowd's adoration.

The concert was a profound celebration of one of Sarah McLachlan's most beloved albums, brought to life with passion and precision. Feist's opening set perfectly complemented the main performance, creating an evening that was both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. For those in attendance, it was a memorable experience that underscored McLachlan's enduring talent and the timeless appeal of her music.