We’ve always known Sarah Kinsley to be a gifted songwriter, weaving emotionally rich stories through her music. But Friday night at the Troubadour, she revealed just how far she’s come on her artistic journey. Not only has she honed her craft as a songwriter, but she’s also embraced music production, giving her the tools and control to elevate her art. And now, she’s proving herself to be a captivating performer as well. Her songs, already filled with heart, took on new life as they echoed through the historic walls of the Troubadour, reaching deeply into the hearts of her fans.

Before Sarah took the stage, we were treated to an opening set by Alix Page, a rising indie singer-songwriter from Orange County. Having been on tour with Sarah since their Vancouver kickoff on September 15th, Alix felt like the perfect match to warm up the crowd. Much like Sarah, Alix’s music is steeped in emotion, tugging at the threads of shared experiences. Her set was a generous gift to fans, performing hits like 25 and Girlfriend along with an unreleased track that had never been heard live before.

What was most striking was how the crowd embraced Alix. Many knew every word to Girlfriend and 25, singing along with a sense of intimacy that made the room feel even smaller than it was. This warmth set the stage for Sarah’s entrance. When she and her band came out, the audience erupted into applause and cheers, and Sarah, with her infectious energy, danced her way onto the stage and dove straight into her performance. She never once let the energy dip, keeping the room alive with her presence.

What makes Sarah stand out as a performer is how deeply she connects to her own music and, in turn, invites the audience into that world. Songs like Glint and My Name is Dancing offered cathartic moments for the crowd to sing and move together, creating a collective release of energy. But just as the room reached a peak, Sarah skillfully shifted gears, taking to the piano for two solo performances. The lighting changed, leaving a soft white spotlight on her while the rest of the stage was bathed in deep red—a perfect complement to the intimacy she created in those quiet moments.

Her talents don’t stop at songwriting or performing. Last night, Sarah showcased her versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, effortlessly moving between guitar, piano, and a contact microphone. Watching her, it’s clear she’s only going to keep expanding her repertoire, and it’s not hard to imagine her one day playing with the LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl. Her abilities transcend venue size, though. Whether she’s playing a small club or a massive arena, Sarah Kinsley’s performances leave an undeniable mark.

The Troubadour has been home to many legendary acts, and after Friday’s performance, Sarah Kinsley can certainly add her name to that list. Touring in support of her latest album, Escaper, she’s proven herself to be more than just talented. There’s a sense of relentless dedication driving her forward. She’s young in her career, but with the path she’s on, it’s easy to imagine her on the Grammy stage one day, accepting well-deserved accolades for her art.

words by David Saxum

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