Photo: Mike Caffrey/Monster Island
To see a diva in the making is a unique experience. You're taken in by her talent, her showmanship, and her stage presence. And, as the show goes on, you come to the realization that, "she's got it." You realize that she has it in her to do it bigger and better than any other pretender to the pop music throne. Seeing Kat Solar perform at New York City's Le Poisson Rouge this past Friday was one such experience.
Derek Nicoletto opened for Solar. Dark and brooding, his energetic yet introspective set took in the crowd. At first Nicoletto seemed like an odd choice for the opening act. His set had punk rock intensity with glam rock underpinnings. Though this contrasted with Kat's flashy, sexy, and, at times, funny performance, it didn't clash; they both ascribe to the same school of crowd awing, all-in showmanship.
Solar's set demonstrated her range and capabilities as a performer. Her opening number, "Snake Eyes," hooked the audience with her flawless vocals and spot on choreography. She performed double entendre laden "Drive" and "Money Shot" with a tongue-in-cheek humor, while still showcasing the sex appeal of the songs. Solar sang the glittery dance tracks "Do What Feels Good," "Beautiful," and "Git Some" with attitude and enthusiasm while she put soul into "Right Here." Kat rounded out the show with an over the top performance of "Magic Touch." Incorporating tacky ,albeit fabulous, props--a pink feather boa, a velvet rope, and a jeweled microphone cover--Solar capped off the show on a campy note.
A commensurate performer, Solar proved she could sing, dance, and play to a crowd. Whether vamping it up for the dance tracks, giving heart to the soulful ones, and chewing the scenery during the campy songs, Solar hit every note with attitude. It seems very likely that her star will continue to burn bright.
