Alex Isley‘s When The City Sleeps Tour stopped at a sold-out Wiltern on June 20, where the Los Angeles native delivered one of the most memorable performances of her career.
There are concerts that simply entertain, and then there are concerts that remind you why you’ve followed an artist’s journey in the first place.
For longtime fans, Alex Isley’s sold-out performance at The Wiltern felt less like another stop on the When The City Sleeps Tour and more like a homecoming celebration. Having watched Isley perform intimate sets at venues like The Jazz Café, The Peppermint Club, NeueHouse, the Blue Note, and other small rooms throughout Los Angeles, seeing her command one of the city’s most historic theaters was genuinely rewarding.
Alex Isley at The Wiltern
Photo Credit: Ricky Horne, Jr.
The growth wasn’t just measured by the size of the venue. It was evident in the confidence of her performance, the production, and perhaps most importantly, in the audience that sang nearly every lyric back to her throughout the night. Even Isley appeared pleasantly surprised at several points as fans enthusiastically echoed her songs word for word, creating an atmosphere that felt both personal and celebratory.
Opening the evening was Def Jam recording artist T.A. Thomas, whose soulful sound and commanding stage presence made an immediate impression on the Los Angeles crowd. Hailing from Hollandale, Mississippi, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Thomas began his musical journey playing piano in his community church before emerging as one of R&B’s rising voices. His set, which featured “Caught Between 2 Worlds,” “Pros and Cons,” and “Preach,” showcased both his rich vocals and effortless charisma. By the time he left the stage, it was hard not to notice concertgoers pulling out their phones to search his music on streaming platforms, a testament to how effectively he introduced himself to an audience that, for many, was discovering him for the first time.
TA Thomas at The Wiltern Photo Credit: Ricky Horne, Jr.
Divided into three acts and an encore, Isley’s thoughtfully curated set showcased every chapter of her artistry.
She opened with “Holding On,” “Westside,” and “Mic ON,” immediately establishing the warm, intimate vibe that has become synonymous with her live performances. Her effortless vocals filled The Wiltern while the crowd matched her energy from the opening notes.
The second act leaned into some of her most beloved records, including a beautiful pairing of “About Him” and “Sweetest Lullabye,” followed by “Ms. Goody Two Shoes,” “Alone,” “Chamomile,” and “Moonlight on Vermont.” Each song highlighted her signature blend of R&B, jazz, and neo-soul while giving the audience moments to both reflect and sing along.
Act three elevated the evening even further with mashups of “Love Again” and “Mine,” along with “Into Orbit” and “PCH.” The momentum continued through “When The City Sleeps,” “Hands,” and the fan favorite “Good & Plenty,” one of the night’s loudest singalongs.
After briefly leaving the stage, Isley returned for an encore featuring “Fool’s Gold,” an extended rendition of “Thank You For A Lovely Time,” and “Maybe Again.” The extended performance of “Thank You For A Lovely Time” allowed both the band and audience to savor the moment, refusing to let the night end too quickly.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the evening was seeing just how many fellow artists, musicians, and creatives filled the audience. Throughout the night, countless industry peers sang every lyric alongside everyday fans, a testament to the respect Isley has earned within the music community. Watching Isley’s evolution over the years made this performance especially meaningful. It has been a pleasure seeing her perform at intimate Los Angeles venues where audiences numbered in the hundreds, to performing at the Hollywood Bowl and now headlining The Wiltern. She has the consistency, musicianship, and a catalog that continues to resonate more deeply with each release. For those who have followed her journey from the beginning, this wasn’t simply another concert. It was the celebration of an artist whose talent has always deserved a stage like The Wiltern, making the evening feel every bit like the homecoming it became.
Alex Isley taking a bow at The Wiltern
Photo credit: Ricky Horne, Jr.
