On Earth Day, thousands took to the streets to oppose the Trump administration’s flippant attitude toward science and the environment. The inspiring demonstrations provided a fitting bookend to Trump’s first 100 days in office, which began with another massive show of resistance — the international Women’s March.

Amid that furious first week of Donald Trump’s presidency, I attended one of the most memorable concerts of my life.

While I’ve been to several intimate engagements, seeing Aly Spaltro — better known as Lady Lamb — perform solo in a warehouse on Milwaukee’s south side with about 70 other fans was a remarkable experience, not least because the last time I saw Spaltro she was headlining a show at the spacious Turner Hall Ballroom.

Spaltro’s Milwaukee stop at the headquarters of Hear Here Presents — a music video web series — was part of her winter Living Room Tour in support of her December 2016 release Tender Warriors Club.

Rather than a typical run of clubs and theaters or supporting a bigger act, Spaltro decided to go small and enlist the help of Undertow Music Collective to book non-traditional venues directly through fans.

For three months, Spaltro traveled the country performing for 40 to 80 fans a night — in living rooms, art galleries, yoga studios, community spaces, coffee shops and a couple bars and clubs. On Jan. 26, she arrived in Milwaukee at the Lincoln Warehouse on the border between Walker’s Point and Bay View. Fans had come from Chicago, Madison and even Iowa.

“Thanks to all of you for getting a ticket having only a ZIP code and then going to a dark warehouse. I would not have done it,” Spaltro admitted as she took a seat in front of the audience.

As part of the agreement to play the Hear Here Presents space, Spaltro agreed to let them capture the first few songs on video.

Spaltro performed a mix of new and old songs while Hear Here’s camera crew roamed the room. The brilliantly edited product would later offer a glimpse into what transpired that fateful winter night. But the real magic took place once the cameras stopped rolling.

No-go, then go

A third of the way into her set, Spaltro revealed that she hadn’t prepared a full set list and was open to requests.

At the same time, she announced there were songs that she couldn’t perform.

“Logistically, they would be too embarrassing. You would be embarrassed, for me,” Spaltro conceded.

As she rattled off the list of no-go songs, a fan inquired about “Atlas” off her excellent 2015 record After. Spaltro instinctively said, “No.” Later, following a joyous sing-along version of “You Are the Apple,” the fan asked again, “Are we 100 percent sure on ‘Atlas’?”

“Totally, 100 percent sure,” Spaltro quickly replied. “I have not played that song since I recorded it, so I don’t really know how it goes.”

Moments later, as Spaltro was tuning her guitar, she suddenly changed her mind.

“Let me see if I can do it. I’ll be brave,” she proclaimed, to the delight of the crowd.

Spaltro’s performance of “Atlas” was an endearing work-in-progress and the highlight of the night. There were starts and stops, with Spaltro calling on the audience for help.

Afterward, Spaltro asked the fan who made the request for his name, which was Brian.

“I want to credit you forever,” Spaltro said. “You deserve it. The girl who made me start singing ‘Apple’ solo is named Robin. Robin and Brian, you are important.”

This exchange was indicative of how the evening unfolded. Spaltro’s interaction with the audience — who sat mere feet from the singer — went so much farther than the usual “I love you!” and “I love you too!”

‘Stay sensitive, stay tender’

Spaltro’s fearlessness in honoring the request for “Atlas” foreshadowed her parting words before the closing out her set.

“I want to talk a little bit about the idea behind this new record I made called Tender Warriors Club. It’s more than just a collection of songs, but a concept that I’ve been living with for a while.

“To me, it means someone who does their best to make a conscious effort to stay sensitive through difficult times. Instead of running from problems or having alternative methods like numbing yourself or just being afraid and not dealing with things, you make the effort to be brave and get through difficult things while staying emotionally vulnerable.

“We are going through such a difficult phase right now in the world, and we’re seeing what seems like more violence and aggression and fear and confusion than ever. I think it can be very easy to face fear with more fear, which can manifest in more violence and aggression.

“So I think it’s important right now to stay sensitive, to stay tender. I hope this serves as a reminder that being sensitive is ultimately a gift and we’re better for it, we’re better when we go that route.

“Through touring and talking to people like you I’ve noticed that we all have this sensitivity in common. I’m generalizing, but we’re all in a warehouse right now in Milwaukee and I sing emotional songs. Thank you for being here.

“This proves to me that there is so much value and importance in coming together through art and connecting through positive, healthy ways. It means the world to me. Thank you for helping make the world a more sensitive place.”

After her speech, Spaltro launched into her final song. She looped her vocals, creating a stirring crescendo effect for a powerful finale.

It was an unforgettable night — an utterly enchanting and uplifting performance.

The evening took me back to my college days, sitting around my living room with friends while my roommate played guitar and took requests — because, that night in the warehouse, we were all friends, united by our sensitivity and courage in the face of political and social chaos.

As we enter the next chapter in Trump’s presidency, may we remain tuned in to our vulnerability and seek out inspiring artistic experiences that fuel our spirit and embolden us to be fearless.

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