Queer Icon™ MARIS made history in Austin, TX this past week with her co-headlining show Give Me a Tour!. The show features interchanging sets between MARIS and Caroline Kingsbury, another well known name in the queer community.
No Lack Of Glitter
This show was one of the most personalized concerts I’ve ever been to. During VIP, MARIS takes the time with each of her fans to get to know them, even doing some of their makeup to feature her iconic glittery star. Seeing her interaction with fans during this time, as well as during the show, it was apparent that MARIS cares so deeply for each of her fans. While singing each of the songs, she would tie in crowd interaction, taking fans’ hands, or taking selfies and videos on their phones, even going into the middle of the crowd for a show.
MARIS (featuring You!!)
The start of the show offered a unique opportunity for fans. Instead of having an opener, MARIS had the fans participate as their own openers, allowing them their fifteen minutes of fame on the stage. The fans hosted a segment of karaoke prior to the show starting, signing up and singing their hearts out to songs like “Golden” from the Netflix movie Kpop Demon Hunters, and hits from Chappell Roan (you can’t have karaoke without Chappell, especially in a room full of gays!).
Photo by Alexis Whitfield (@alexiscaptures.jpg)
The Next Big Queer Icon
During the show, both singers sat down to answer questions from the fans. One fan asked about their queer inspirations, leading into a Chappell Roan cover of ‘Pink Pony Club’. As someone who saw Chappell in a small venue prior to her career completely taking off, the energy in the room at MARIS’ show felt the exact same.
The fans ignited during each of her songs, even dancing along to a choreographed part of one of the songs. MARIS’ passion for her craft spread so deeply amongst the fans, leaving the room with so much joy during each song. While walking around the crowd, each fan was having their own mini party, even in the very back of the room. Fans danced with each other and sang along with imaginary microphones, bringing back the joy of enjoying music like no one was watching.
MARIS is going to be the next big queer icon. I’m putting my money on it. She was the breath of fresh air that the queer community has been waiting for.
If you like glitter, flying bras, and a room full of hundreds of new queer best friends, MARIS’ ‘Give Me a Tour!’ is the party you don’t want to miss.
See a full gallery of photos from the show here!
