Last night, Japanese guitarist and vocalist Ichiko Aoba brought her heartwarming fantasy world to the National Sawdust stage with an opening solo set from Charlie Martin.
Aoba began her set motioning for the fans in the crowd to take a seat on the ground. As they were gathered around the low stage, the fans rested their elbows along the edge, leaning into one another as she began her set. She performed pieces from throughout her discography, pausing to sing soft vocalizations and seemingly tuning her voice as one would tune a guitar.
Before her last song, fans delicately passed Aoba flowers from the front row. Graciously, she accepted and balanced them in her lap and sitting down to close out her set. What a truly incredible and inspiring show.
Shout-out to Niko Van Eimeren for being there to capture the magic.
Ichiko Aoba at National Sawdust – 10/26/22:
