Written and Photos by Bang Ho
MARINA is in a class of artists that possess not only a vocal prowess rarely rivaled but also a sound that is irrefutably unique and her own. What is perhaps unknown to those that haven’t been able to experience her show is that she is the genuine deal grade A entertainer as she is an artist. It’s been amazing to see her show grow from one of her first performance’s in Austin back in April 2011 at Antone’s (when it was located on 5th and Lavaca and she took pictures with fans after the show at the merch booth) to the huge production that it is now –meticulously rehearsed with many moving parts. As big as the show has gotten now with several back up dancers that interpretive dance but also sing at times, beautiful lights (sometimes in the form of light sticks carried by the dancers), and a much bigger stage –she reminds us that the fast fun dancey songs are great, but the stripped back moments of just her singing and playing the piano are just as powerful. Keeping her audience enthralled and drawn in as if it was a small venue (ACL Moody Theater is anything but), towards the end of her set, she gave the crowd a choice to hear her perform “Blue” or “Oh No!” by voting with their cheers. The latter, one of her first hits, won. It was such a spectacular performance in one of Austin’s most inviting venue.
