SHOW REVIEW: Ingrid Michaelson @ The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian

Photo credit: Billboard

Ingrid lit up the stage, mixing classics with her versions of Christmas classics. Surrounding her onstage, were her assortment of decorations brought to the audience by Amazon and Michael’s. There were stockings, fake Christmas trees, and the leg lamp from ​A Christmas Story.​ She joked about scoffing at a woman at Michael’s who told her that someday she would find a man to carry her boxes for her.

The whole concert felt like a stand-up comedy special with some beautiful music sprinkled in. She would crack all of these jokes before singing really intense, beautiful songs to the point that I was almost nervous she would start laughing during the performance. Michaelson’s voice is perfectly clear and dainty, almost fragile as it cradles your ears. She looked like Zooey Deschanel in ​Elf​.

The venue was in a huge, beautiful church in Koreatown--one that I’d walked by several times. I have never been to a concert in a church before, but the church was the perfect setting for the event. It seemed like I was just going to see someone local that I know and admire perform. Ingrid was alongside Allie Moss and Hannah Winkler who make up the “Ingrid Michaelson Trio.” Their voices complimented Michaelson’s well and they all seemed to be laughing and having a good time onstage. Also, Will Chase made an appearance for “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” which he is featured on in Michaelson’s new album ​Songs For The Season​.

My love for her sound began with the song “Everybody” and she sang many of my favorites, which included “The Way I Am”, “Maybe”, “The Chain”, and her cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. Later on, she chose one of the sweetest, albeit less known songs of hers called “How We Love”. The concert reignited my belief in love. Her words are so tender and kind. I almost can’t believe it took her this long to come out with a Christmas album, but I’m glad it’s out now.

— Gabby Clifford, DJ