Photos by Lola Dogat

To kick off UCSD’s concert season, Roosevelt College lit up Epstein Amphitheater for their annual Rock ‘n Roosevelt, featuring opener Alix Page and headline act Samia.

Strolling through the amphitheater, I was struck by its emptiness. However, as I stood in the pit and felt a rush of cold air, I understood the students’ urge to stay indoors on a brisk Friday evening. Besides my thin jacket, I had nothing but adrenaline to carry me through the intermission before the show began.

To start, Alix Page took the stage with her three-man band. Although my excitement was high, the energy faltered from the first song as Page struggled to connect with the audience. Her lyrics were tender and her voice melodic, yet her detachment was noticeable. Each transition between songs was met with an awkward silence as the crowd debated whether the song had truly ended. With a setlist marked by sedating love songs, I was more than ready for the energy change I hoped Samia would bring.

After an enduring intermission, Samia graced the audience with her upbeat, funky moves and vibrant outfit—donning bright red tights with a trendy tennis getup. Her dynamic dance moves carried the crowd before she launched into “Charm You,” one of her more popular tracks that had the small but mighty audience singing along. Next, she performed “Big Wheel,” delivering strong energy, complete with jazz hands and an adorable ending pose. Samia showcased her impressive vocals with “Trip Dick,” sung in a soaring soprano accompanied by whistling notes. A notable moment was her signature gesture—pointing her finger to the sky—a move I typically associate with boy or girl groups. Her consistent interaction with her bandmates throughout the performance, jamming with the guitarist multiple times, further emphasized their connection. She continued with “Minnesota,” a song about her current home, which featured ballet-esque moves, including graceful turns and kicks. The crowd erupted when she began to perform “Honey,” my favorite track, and for the finale, Samia closed with “Is There Something in the Movies?”, a heartbreaking, layered song. Although I hadn’t expected it to be the preferred closing, her powerful vocals and cheerful stage presence ultimately settled the crowd after a cold, restless evening.

Leaving Epstein in a hurry, I noted my disappointment with Alix Page’s set—an artist I’d been excited to see live. Her detached, shy energy combined with slow songs made for an upsettingly dull performance. While Samia elevated the mood, the small, chilly crowd dampened the overall experience. In a more intimate indoor venue, I’m sure Samia’s performance would have measured among the best indie shows I’ve attended, and I look forward to watching her progress over time.

More from ERC’s Rock ‘n Roosevelt:

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