written & photos by Amanda Hoodak

Stephen Sanchez took the Mission Ballroom back in time with a night full of swing moves and a theatrical performance. The combination of his timeless vocals and dapper personality had the entire audience swooning. His stage was set as The Connie Co Show, a retro-feeling talk show hosted by Connie Co himself (Austin Cain). From the cozy late-night talk show feel to the commitment of fans who also dressed the retro-chic look, I felt like I was actually watching the show through an analog television.

Nashville-based band The Brook and the Bluff opened the night, movin’ and groovin’ with their energetic performance. The set was full of fan favorites, and the crowd showed their love by knowing each and every word to most of their songs.

The Connie Co Show took a brief intermission between sets, giving just enough time to feel the room buzzing before the main act. Stephen and his band opened with the hit song “Evangeline,” and with one simple “Hello Mister Jones,” his fans were melting. Stephen’s set was a mix of original music and tasteful covers of nostalgic oldie hits like “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” by Paul Anka. Mid-song, the lights dimmed, and Stephen made his way off stage, reappearing in the middle of the crowd, where he swept a lucky fan off her feet, slow dancing through the chorus. He flirted his way back to the stage through a sea of loyal fans displaying their adoration, waving their signs, just hoping he would notice. Connie Co made his final appearance with some brief banter before Stephen ended the night with his original classic “Until I Found You” and lastly “Shake” from his 2023 album Angel Face.

Catch Stephen Sanchez on tour through October 29. Tickets can be purchased here.

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