Lights, Lights Up DC! -- By Tara Bowen

Tuesday night March 15th, Ellie Goulding, a UK singer/songwriter, graced DC with her presence. The first of a short string of tour dates, in the U.S. (her first).  Ellie Goulding, already a sensation in the UK, selling out arenas across, like Wembley and the likes—played the Rock n Roll Hotel here in DC Tuesday night—an interesting reminder (however surprising) as to her "status" here in the U.S. An interesting crossover for her (I’m sure), to go from arena-style stadiums to...a former rowhouse turned concert venue.

The place was packed. I actually got my ticket just hours before the show; one of the few "lucky" who "lucked out" on Craigslist. (and for face value no less)—some going for as high as $200.00. The "seller" chick and I hit it off-immediately exchanging Ellie stories—learning she attended Oxford (and is where she discovered Ellie Goulding)—there in the UK, she was unable to see her—her Wembley arena show selling out in just hours. It’s here, in the US—she is finally seeing Ellie G (a year later). The show itself was solid. Everybody danced, and she was backed by full band, and played guitar and floor tom drum throughout. About middle through, towards the end, she did a version of "Salt Skin"-that sampled Kanye West’s "Power"—ending in a drum pad solo, the highlight (for me), of the whole show. The part of the show when I lost myself. 

She’s an incredible performer, with an even (more) incredible voice; quite a treasure. A much better live act, so many nuances going on in her vocals. She’s appreciative-and seemed humble and grateful for such feedback—the whole place singing along to every one of her songs—even the new ones she said she hadn’t performed before (including "Human"). She seemed really touched by it all. It was this appreciation, mixed with (our own), that made for a most special night. Fans, literally, dying to see her for a good year (myself, and newly made friend included)—and then, this being the ‘kick off’ show of her US tour. What an awesome evening, full of mixed emotion. A sort of relief (Finally! She’s here!). The show seemed "overdue"—for hardcore fans anyway, but making it that much more special. And it was worth the wait. She ended with "Starry-Eyed". I met her afterwards-we have a mutual friend, who does some photography for her, and then she took a picture with me! Here it is:

...and here is one my friend took-which ended up in Elle/various publications. 

By Shervin Lainez. www.shervinfoto.com

Her first show of her first U.S. tour…very cool! Cheers and come back, Tara

Follow Tara on Twitter! @bowentara
And check out her blog: http://hmmdiddlydum.blogspot.com/

All photos by Shervin Lainez. Check him out at: www.shervinfoto.com