LUKAS GRAHAM GIVES EMOTIONAL PERFORMANCE

On Oct. 23, Lukas Graham performed at the Crystal Ballroom in downtown Portland. The Danish soul-pop band, commonly known for their 2015 hit “7 years,” put on a solid, if unspectacular, show.

It was their first appearance here for a while. Lead singer Lukas Forchhammer explained the band had stopped touring for a short period  so that could he spend more time with his daughter, Viola. 

The opener, Lauren Duski, prepared the crowd for the emotional rollercoaster to come. Duski explained this was her first tour, with the love of her life on stage, hoping to be making her family proud. She performed with lots of emotion, which was evident in her voice.

About an hour into the event, Lukas Graham came on stage.

Purple strobe lights lit up the dark room, and the musicians were illuminated from behind.  The lights matched the sweatshirt Forchhammer wore on stage, before he gave it to the only little girl in the front of the pit.

The girl, who seemed to be around age 10, looked surprised to be chosen and filled with joy; this drove the crowd wild.

However, the energy in the room changed. The initial songs were full of excitement and enthusiasm, but as the show continued the mood shifted to be more “sad boys hours” than anything else. A smartphone light wave from the crowd complemented the musical atmosphere. 

As someone that went to this concert without knowing much of Lukas Graham’s music, I’d say that it was enjoyable. However, the bouncy floor of the ballroom was not used to its full potential; there just wasn’t the upbeat energy.

Still, the event was memorable and I would recommend Lukas Graham to those who enjoy mellow, emotional music.