Allison Russell and the Rainbow Coalition Bring Love to Philadelphia

Emma Zoe Polyak
2 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 4 hours ago

Allison Russell | by Emma Zoe Polyak for Zany Waves

Last Friday, Allison Russell graced the stage at Theatre Of Living Arts in Philadelphia – a fitting setting, as Russell’s artistry and charm were on full display. Known for her powerful storytelling and ability to weave love and hope into her songs, Russell’s music is a deeply layered tapestry of folk, soul, Americana, and roots influences, carried by poetic lyricism and an unmistakable sense of emotional truth.

Many of the songs she played were from her 2023 album, The Returner, a soulful journey of Black liberation, love, and self-respect. She was joined on stage by an all-female band, affectionately named The Rainbow Coalition. This tour’s configuration consists of Ganessa James on bass, Caoi de Barra on drums, and Caoimhe Hopkinson on guitar. Together, the band created a sound both expansive and intimate, drawing the crowd in.

About midway through her set, Russell moved to the front of the stage, forming a semicircle with her bandmates. A series of stripped-down songs followed, with Russell’s emotive vocals taking the forefront.

Throughout the night, Russell looked entirely at home on stage, dancing around barefoot, spinning and swaying with the music, a captivating force that got the crowd moving as well. Bracelets lined her wrist, and Russell called them “beacons of hope,” many gifted to her by fans – small tokens of mutual care that added to the concert’s atmosphere. At the front of the stage, there was a small altar the band had set up previously, with a candle burning throughout the show. I’m not a religious person, but there was something spiritual about Russell’s set, as the crowd came together in a 90-minute session of collective healing.

In between songs, Russell shared anecdotes about the origins of her music, and her journey so far. She expressed gratitude for her recent time on Broadway as Persephone in Hadestown before launching into her own song of the same name.

Earlier in the night, the crowd was treated to Kara Jackson’s opening set, which was marked by poetic lyrics, acoustic instrumentation, and a sense of dark introspection. Her dry, deadpan humor quickly won over the Philadelphia crowd, who offered appropriately timed cheers in response.

Kara Jackson | by Emma Zoe Polyak for Zany Waves

By the end of the night, Russell’s show didn’t feel like any concert. It was more of a celebration and call to action of survival, joy, and the radical act of choosing love.

Russell’s tour continues throughout May, check out her upcoming dates here. Check out more photos from the night below!