As Gracie Abrams took the stage at the Brooklyn Paramount last night, she couldn’t hide her excitement for one thing in particular: the intimate nature of the venue. “It’s so nice to be hanging out this way,” Abrams said. “I love that we get to hang out, nothing about this feels remotely work-related. It feels like we’re hanging out.”
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images courtesy of American Express
Gracie Abrams fans and AMEX cardholders alike were treated to not just a show, but an incredibly immersive evening, warmly titled American Express Press: An Evening with Gracie Abrams. There was no better way to describe it, as it truly was a night spent with Abrams in every way. From the warm, laid back nature of the performance, to fans getting to experience (and even take home) some of Abrams’ favorite things.
The Brooklyn Paramount sits at a capacity of 2,700 and is a breathtakingly gorgeous venue. The stained glass ceilings and picturesque stage could not have been a more perfect atmosphere to witness the stunning vocals of Abrams. Such an intimate venue is an incredibly rare treat for an artist of Abrams caliber, but she has a way of making every concert feel like hanging out with your best friend. Abrams is notorious for her warm interactions with fans, and this show was no exception, from helping name a fan’s dog, to sweetly telling another that since it was her birthday, that the show was technically their birthday party. “Shoutout to AMEX for throwing your birthday party.”
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images courtesy of American Express
The event was held in celebration of the return of American Express Member Week, similar to their 2023 show, An Evening with Olivia Rodrigo at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. Just shortly before in 2022, Abrams was the opener for Rodrigo’s Sour tour. With the company turning 175 on March 18th, American Express is delivering value to its Card Members through special offers across retail, business and more. The show benefited a fantastic cause, with Abrams donating 100% of the gross ticket and merch proceeds to World Central Kitchen, a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that provides food relief.
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images courtesy of American ExpressThe performance was a rare treat on so many levels. In lieu of a full band, the show was performed totally acoustic, with Abrams and her co-writer, Aaron Dessner. In true (there’s a reference there if you squint) Gracie Abrams fashion, in between (another one) songs, she and Dessner told stories about the song’s origins and how they came to be. “This is not the typical show, we must say,” Abrams said. It’s quite cool that we have so many songs that were like ‘What do we want this to be?’ But anyway, typically it’s a full production situation. But it’s exciting because we get to reimagine these songs.”
Abrams’ sound has evolved quite a bit since her debut EP Minor in 2020. The setlist, which included many of her early works like Camden, Two People, and Block Me Out is likely not one that you’ll hear if you’re lucky enough to catch a show at The Secret of Us Tour. It was a rare, nostalgic surprise for all fans, but especially ones who remember nights with Abrams over Zoom during the pandemic, playing these songs on her guitar just as she did last night. “I know it’s a theater and an intimate space,” Abrams said. “But please feel free to sing as loud as you want”
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images courtesy of American Express
“Hanging out” seemed to be the theme of the night. Abrams kicked back and announced after the first song of the night, Block Me Out, that she was kicking off her heels. “I need to take a shoe off. they may look cool but they aren’t practical,” she said. “One song in and im like: fuck the shoes.” She was as sweet as could be with the audience, and it seemed like no call from the crowd went unanswered by her. “I love your shirt, I love your bow,” Abrams called to a girl in the front row. “Thank you for hanging with me tonight.”
Before the show even began, fans were treated to a completely immersive experience. Vintage photo booths could be found on every floor of the venue, leaving fans with an adorable keepsake, or bookmark.
The latter definitely will come in handy for all attendees, as the bottom floor of the venue was reimagined as Gracie Abrams’ Book Nook. All attendees could receive a complimentary book to take home, and each of the 4 different options were one of Abrams’
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images courtesy of American Express
favorites. She’s been very candid about how much reading is a part of her day-to-day life and songwriting, so it was incredibly special for fans to have the opportunity to own some of her favorites. All of the books came from Three Lives and Company‘s “Book Nook,” which are all local small businesses. The inside of each book was embossed with a sweet stam stating that the book came “From the Library of Gracie Abrams.” Continuing the literary theme, exclusive merch items were also available for purchase onsite and all Card Members received a gift with purchase, which was a metal bookmark inscribed with Abrams’ name.
Guests were also invited to have a drink on AMEX! The event featured an open bar of specialty wine offerings from Dandelion Wine, in addition to two custom cocktails named after Abrams’ songs. The “Glass House” featured Villa Tolnay, Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Sparkling Water, Lemon and Mint, and the “She’s So Cool” featured Fongoli, Umbria Rosso Rossofongoli 2023, Sparkling Lemonade, Club Soda, Sweet Vermouth and Lemon. In true New York fashion, guests also enjoyed complimentary slices from Fini Pizza.
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images courtesy of American Express
Abrams and Dessner performed songs old and new, nearing the end of the set with fan favorite Packing It Up, a recent deluxe track off of The Secret of Us. Abrams said good night after just over an hour, only to come right back out at the sound of the crowd chanting for an encore. Abrams playfully relented, launching into another fan favorite deluxe track, That’s So True. “This is an impromptu encore. I just figured we could do this song together. But you need to promise me one thing, that you’ll scream this song with me.”
“Thank you guys so much for coming out,” Abrams said. “I’ve had the privilege of my life playing these songs with you guys. I’ll cherish this night forever. Love you, love you forever.”
As someone who’s been listening for many years, I think I can speak for everyone in the audience when I say that the privilege was all ours.
This incredible night was made possible by American Express in celebration of AMEX Member Week!
ABOUT AMEX MEMBER WEEK
American Express ‘Member Week’ is from March 17 – 21, with the company turning 175 on March 18. During the week-long event, American Express is delivering value to its Card Members through special offers across retail, business and more.
Highlights of the week-long Member Week celebration include:
- Entertainment: Following the sold out European leg of her The Secret of Us Tour, American Express will host “An Evening with Gracie Abrams” on Thursday, March 20 in Brooklyn, NY. Card Members can follow @americanexpress on Instagram to learn how to purchase tickets during Member Week (while supplies last).
- Dining: With American Express and Resy, Card Members can unlock a complimentary martini during Member Week (3/17-3/21) at participating restaurants in five U.S. cities: The participating restaurants include: New York – Bangkok Supper Club and Portrait Bar; Washington, D.C. – Cana, Miami – Macchialina; Atlanta – Kimball House; Chicago – Meadowlark. The special drink offer is only available during dinner service with the purchase of food and is limited to one per Card Member and their guests (terms apply).
- Those same participating restaurants will host a one-night only soirée where Card Members can enjoy a bespoke menu featuring a mix of their greatest hits and classic dishes with a twist, an optional martini pairing, live music, and branded keepsakes. Tickets are available for purchase starting Monday, March 17 on Resy.com or the Resy iOS App (while supplies last).
- Retail: In honor of 175 years of American Express, Amex is introducing new offers for Card Members to access more than $290 in statement credits when they make qualifying purchases from brands like Kiehl’s, Levi’s, barnesandnoble.com, Brooks Brothers and Shiseido.
- Eligible Business Card Members can access more than $500 in statement credits on qualifying purchases from HP, Lowe’s and more. More information about the offers, including redemption deadlines, can be found here (terms apply).
- Business: American Express continues to back businesses by connecting them to a powerful suite of solutions and support that help their businesses thrive. Launching on March 17 for Member Week, Merchants can unlock over $750 in total value by taking advantage of all new offers to support them from advertising and marketing to human resources, research and development, and more.*
