Photos and Review by Rebecca Clark
On August 27th, the NY State Fair was graced with the presence of Stephen Sanchez, a young artist whose emotional intelligence and old-soul charm radiated throughout his performance. From the moment Sanchez took the stage, it was clear that this was not just a concert but an intimate exchange of feelings and stories between the singer and his audience.
Sanchez sings with emotionally charged lyrics and a touching sense of heart in every note. His music, a unique blend of rockabilly with an emo twist, brought a refreshing yet nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of the greats like Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
His suit and dance moves, reminiscent of Elvis’ performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, only added to this classic charm. Young fans, visibly emotional and some even in tears, mirrored the iconic scenes of fans in awe of the legends in the 60s.
One of the most poignant moments of the night was when Sanchez paused between songs to address the crowd, especially during his “acoustic moment” in the set. Speaking with a wisdom far beyond his 21 years, he shared, “I want to write a song to remind everyone here, girls, boys, men, women alike, that you are so beautiful.”
Before performing his new, unfinished song “You Are So Beautiful,” he invited the audience to sing along with the lyric, “I am Beautiful…” and refused to move on until he heard the whole crowd join in. This was not just a song but a powerful message of self-worth and kindness, but a lesson he wanted to teach his fans, that we all need to speak better not only to others, but ourselves.
The lights dimmed, and the two old TV cameras on the set transformed into spotlights, focusing on Sanchez as he poured his soul into every lyric.
After singing “You Are So Beautiful” Sanchez opened up even more to the crowd with his reflections on personal struggles. “I recognize that behind closed doors, we’re all going through something,” he said, acknowledging the universal challenges of family issues, identity, and self-love.
His honesty about his journey to find solace and love struck a chord with the audience, particularly during his heartfelt performance of “Into Your Heart,” which he dedicated to anyone feeling lost. “You are so loved. No matter what you’ve done, no matter where you’re going or what you believe in,” he reassured, offering comfort and hope through his music.
In many ways, Sanchez’s depth of emotion and soulfulness compares to newer artists like Hozier, who also bring a blend of poignant lyrics and rich musicality to their performances. Just like Hozier, Sanchez has a knack for making every fan feel as though they are the only person at the show, sharing in a deeply personal experience.
After his acoustic moment, Sanchez made his way into the audience for a spontaneous rendition of “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” dancing with fans and bringing an even greater sense of connection and intimacy to the show.
Not one to let the energy drop, Sanchez seamlessly transitioned into more upbeat numbers. He playfully interacted with the crowd, asking, “Do you all feel like dancing tonight?” before launching into a cover of “Pretty Woman.” His playful, Elvis-like hip movements and his powerful voice had the crowd screaming in delight. He even took a moment to joke about his outfit, when he was “being interviewed” by the host of the “Connie Co” show saying, “And if you were wondering, yes, the socks match the tie,” much to the audience’s amusement.
Sanchez’s set was a carefully crafted experience, reminiscent of a live TV show from the 1960s. With a rotating desk, an old-school video camera, and even his photographer and crew dressed in 60s attire, the stage design complemented his retro-inspired music perfectly. Seeing him and his band on stage felt like watching an artist on the “Connie Co” show, reminiscent of the iconic performances from The Ed Sullivan Show era. It was a unique and engaging touch that set his performance apart from others. Shanchez’s set also gave us “That Thing You Do” vibes which since we got to see some of the “behind the scenes” parts of the show.
He ended his set with his viral hit “Until I Found You,” leaving the audience on a high note with the upbeat, fun track “Shake,” which had everyone on their feet.
Through his music and words, Sanchez proved that he is not just another performer but a true storyteller and an old soul with a message of love, self-worth, and authenticity. Much like Hozier, Sanchez uses his music to touch the hearts of his listeners, making him an artist to watch. His young fans are lucky to have someone like him to look up to.
Stephen Sanchez Gallery
