On Wednesday, March 12, indie folk musician Faye Webster brought her “Underdressed at the Symphony” tour to the Salt Shed in Chicago, Illinois. The tour began in promotion of Webster’s March 2024 studio album of the same name. As Webster tours across North America, artists Upchuck, Benét, Julie and Mei Ehara support her as openers. Webster’s tour in North America began in November of 2024 and concluded March 2025–the final show being the one I attended!
The Salt Shed [venue], a previous Morton Salt complex for housing local salt as well as packaging and distributing, concluded operations in 2015 after running for nearly 100 years. Less than 10 years later, a transformed venue opened its gates in 2022. The venue of The Salt Shed still has features of the complex, such as the iconic Morton Salt logo on the top of the building. Amidst the chilly and windy weather of early-spring Chicago, the indoor venue maintains a cool and breathable temperature, which allows a comfortable and safe experience for those prone to passing out or fainting in concert pits due to high temperatures.
Portrayed on a large screen on stage was an overview of basic and proper concert care and etiquette regarding one’s self and the concert-goers around them. Some provided tips included a directory to receive water from security and advice on what not to do with your body, like locking your knees–which reduces blood flow and increases chances of fainting.
Opener Mei Ehara kicked off the show with “まだ早い果物 [The Fruit not yet ripe],” setting a calm and indie-rock vibe that Webster later continued. Ehara’s live vocals were clear and nearly identical to how they sound recorded, which fueled my excitement for not only the rest of her setlist, but for the rest of the show. The bassist of Ehara’s band effortlessly energized and amused the audience by dabbing, and influencing everyone to do so shortly before exiting the stage.
Stage crew quickly assembled Webster’s set, which follows the album’s laundromat theme. Prop washing machines and clothing racks were aligned along the back of the stage and various blues and purples adorn the venue via stage lights.
Webster and her band entered the stage shortly after, beginning the concert with a Webster-dressed minion shushing the crowd and starting “But Not Kiss,” a song which begins softly and slowly but suddenly thrashes in and out with a melodic piano–which is even more exhilarating live. Webster’s setlist consists of 14 songs, ending with an encore of “Kingston,” one of the most popular tracks on her third studio album, “Atlanta Millionaires Club.”
Stage lights flash matching the groove and beat of Webster’s band. Streams of bubbles fell upon the crowd in the middle and encore of the show, cooling down the pit while also enhancing the beauty of Webster, her music and her band. From my experience in the pit, bubbles prove to bring joy to nearly every age group! Contrary to my very first pit experience where I fainted due to the intense heat, Webster’s show at The Salt Shed remained consistently comfortable in temperature, allowing myself and other fans who are easily put in discomfort by temperature to fully enjoy the show with no worries or disturbances.
I attended the show with my 2 best friends, but I had the opportunity to create new friends and acquaintances with other concert-goers. The fans in general admission aids to the excitement and unity of the concert, however, loud chatty audience members can easily and unintentionally sour another person’s experience. While it did occur at the show I attended, it did not ruin my time. The enthusiasm and joy brought by Webster–even with the sad songs she performed–easily blocks what could get to you in the moment.
Witnessing Faye Webster live feels like the perfect first time [non-festival] concert experience. Captivating live vocals and stage sets that interact with the crowd greatly contributes to memories of happiness and enjoyment. Webster’s tour and album themes creates a unity within fans, inspiring many to match with her, the set and each other!
