Photo Gallery: Melanie Martinez at The Riviera Theatre

Brassneck | October 29, 2019

Melanie Martinez brought a bit of Broadway to Lawrence and Broadway Friday. The native New Yorker’s “K-12 Tour” landed at Chicago’s Riviera Theater with enough set and costume changes to rival both Madonna and Cher. Her blend of pop and hip-hop had a mostly female audience singing along from start to finish.

But unlike most vapid mainstream music, Martinez mixes hooks with empowerment. Body image, bullying and sexual preference were all addressed during her visually stunning and perfectly executed performance. Each song used visuals and wardrobe to great affect, proving this 24 year old, former The Voice contestant has more to add to her resume than game show footnote.

Words and photos by Curt Baran