Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of seeing Runner’s final show of his “A Welcome Kind of Weakness” headline tour. Noah Weinman, known as Runner, has been touring his sophomore album on a 20-show run this fall, culminating at the famed Bowery Ballroom. This venue has quickly become a favorite of mine; I can confidently say I have never seen a bad show at Bowery and Runner, with support from Shallow Alcove surely did not break that streak.

Minutes before doors opened, the queue had wrapped around the venue, fans eager to get inside, the cool autumn air already emerging at sundown. The show began with a magical set from Shallow Alcove, an indie-folk band of friends fronted by Grace Krichbaum and Dan Harris, with Peter Groppe, Jack Harrington, and Noah Dardaris. They released their EP titled “Doggy Paddle” in May of this year. Their set featured songs from their debut album “Keepsakes”, “Doggy Paddle”, and even an unreleased song about “crying on your birthday”, perhaps from an upcoming project. Much to my satisfaction, I have seen Shallow Alcove many times over the past two years, and their sets always feel like a warm hug. Seeing them grow both as musicians and in popularity, their shows leave me feeling like a proud Facebook mom. Their candid lyrics, while about specific moments, have a universality to them where even if I had heard a song of theirs live before, each time feels brand new. It is always a joy to see them perform! While on stage, they thank Weinman for having them on this tour and express their gratitude for being able to see such a powerhouse performance each night.

While I had listened to Weinman’s music in the past, this was my first time seeing him live. The venue became incredibly packed in between sets, fans buzzing with excitement. There is a sentiment that New York crowds can be particularly tough, but that was not the case at this show. As the set began, saxophone sounds swirled throughout the room as the crowd erupted in cheers. The energy at this show was electric. The crowd was also a bit of a departure from audiences I usually see at concerts I frequent: there was seldom a phone in sight. It was such a fun and enjoyable experience to see a show where the crowd was living so in the moment, not from a venue or artist policy, but out of their own decision. Runner’s sophomore album, also titled “A Welcome Kind of Weakness”, was released at the end of August, and written on the tail end of a breakup and during the month of recovery from an Achilles injury. The vulnerability in his lyrics fostered an environment of connection and catharsis, and delivered a performance that will stay with me for a long time.