Coming to this show felt like stepping into a warm family gathering. Just the other day, I had the honor of experiencing something truly special: my good friend, Kili Goodrich, who is also a contributing journalist for HEAR IT!, got married during Lucy Dacus’s show in Phoenix, Arizona at the Arizona Financial Theatre on September 11, 2025.
That morning, I woke up with a buzzing excitement I hadn’t felt in a long time. Weddings are always memorable, but this one was unlike any I had ever attended. The idea of seeing one of my closest friends get married on a big stage, in front of an audience, by one of their favorite artists, made the entire day feel surreal. That afternoon, I got myself ready and then went to pick up our friend Maddie, who was also going to the show. Together, we arrived at the venue, where we met up with the rest of our friends. Some were there to cover the concert, while others were simply there to celebrate and witness our colleague’s unforgettable moment.
The night kicked off with Madison, Wisconsin’s very own Slow Pulp taking the stage. The venue was tightly packed with fans who were eager for the night ahead. The set was bathed in a glowing orange and red haze, creating an atmosphere that was both vibrant and dreamlike. This was actually my second time seeing Slow Pulp live. The first was at M3F, where I instantly fell in love with their sound. Seeing them again only deepened that connection. They opened with their popular hit “Idaho,” and I couldn’t help but sing along while snapping photos with my camera. Lead vocalist Emily’s voice carried so much raw emotion that it felt impossible not to get swept up in the moment. Every note seemed to flow directly from her heart, and through that performance, I felt every ounce of what she wanted to convey. I was happy I got to hear my favorite Slow Pulp songs, At It Again and Cramps.
When Lucy Dacus finally took the stage, the energy in the venue shifted instantly. The crowd erupted with excitement, though in a surprisingly respectful and contained way, as if everyone knew this night was going to be more than just a concert. The stage design was charming and thoughtfully put together, with oversized picture frames decorating the background. Inside the frames, an LED screen displayed different video art that changed with each song, adding layers of depth and emotion to the music. The entire setup felt refined yet inviting, perfectly reflecting Lucy’s artistry.
Lucy walked out with her band, dressed in a sleek black blazer that gave her a polished, almost ceremonial look, as though she was ready to officiate more than just a performance. Without hesitation, she opened the night with “Hot and Heavy,” her voice immediately filling the theater with warmth and intimacy. Every lyric seemed to wrap around the crowd like a blanket, preparing us for what was to come.
The most anticipated moment arrived when Lucy transitioned into “Best Guess.” As the opening chords rang out, the couples chosen to be married walked onto the stage. Among them, my dear friend Kili and her partner Jo instantly drew my attention. They looked radiant under the stage lights, smiling as if the entire room existed just for them. They swayed to the music, dancing with a carefree joy that was contagious. At one point, Kili pulled out her goofy “cheese” dance moves, making Jo laugh, and in that moment, the love between them felt undeniable. I could not help but shed a few tears. Watching my friend marry the love of her life in such a public yet deeply personal way moved me in a way I will never forget.
As the song concluded, Lucy set aside her guitar and smiled at the couples before her. With a calm but heartfelt tone, she asked, “Hey guys, are you ready to get married?” She then began to read from her script, guiding the couples through their vows with a quiet confidence. When she finally declared, “You are now married,” the entire audience erupted in cheers. In that instant, the concert transformed into a celebration of love, community, and music all woven together.
The show carried on afterward with Lucy delivering song after song, her voice ringing with a kind of magic that felt timeless. It was my first time seeing her live, and by the end of the night I had become a fan. She balanced the weight of officiating weddings with the art of performing, creating a night that felt entirely unique.
As I left the venue, I kept thinking about how rare it is to experience something so personal and so universal at the same time. Concerts often leave lasting memories, but this one felt different. It was more than just a show—it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that blended love, music, and friendship into something unforgettable. Watching Lucy Dacus create a space where my friend could begin the next chapter of her life was a reminder that music is not just sound, but a vessel for life’s most profound milestones.
