An Intimate Night with Sydney Rose in Washington D.C.
- Emma Zoe Polyak
- Nov 26
- 2 min read
At her Washington, D.C. stop at The Atlantis last week, Sydney Rose delivered an intimate, sincere, and heartwarming set.
Before the show began, I sat in on her meet and greet, where fans were able to watch her play a short acoustic set and ask questions ranging from her musical influences to what touring has been like. Rose answered each one with care, taking the time to learn everyone’s name and offering thoughtful, honest anecdotes. It set the tone for a night defined by openness and genuine connection.
Afterwards, as the rest of the crowd filtered in, Chappell Roan, Phoebe Bridgers, and even selections from Hamilton played over the speakers, tracing the constellation of artists who have shaped Rose’s musical identity. Fans – many embracing the floral theme of the night in flower wreaths – also resonated with these songs, often singing along and warming up the venue for the cozy night to follow.
Jayla Kai opened with a solo set, mentioning that “Love letter to everyone” is a good entry point for hearing her full-band sound. Despite some early technical difficulties, she handled the moment with ease, inviting the crowd to introduce themselves to one another while she sorted things out onstage. The brief pause ended up energizing the room, turning strangers into something closer.
Throughout the night, Rose maintained a down-to-earth presence, speaking candidly about her inspirations, her anxiety, and how significant this tour has been for her. She later mentioned that she had been feeling sick, though you would never have known it from her performance; her vocals remained steady, warm, and controlled, revealing no trace of strain. The only hint of her illness surfaced in the soft rasp that crept into her speaking voice between songs, which she navigated with humor and grace.
Her set featured an unreleased track titled “Over,” followed by “Briston,” which she mentioned was one of her personal favorite songs to perform. Throughout the night, Rose moved seamlessly between her guitar and piano, occasionally playing solo. One of my favorite moments was when she offered a stripped-back cover of “Skinny Love,” and later paused the show to sing “Happy Birthday” to Victoria, a fan celebrating her sixteenth birthday.
By the end of the night, what stood out most was Rose’s ability to make a room of strangers feel seen. Her performance balanced vulnerability with a quiet confidence, revealing an artist who is still growing but already deeply attuned to the emotional lives of her listeners. Her tour continues through the end of the year, with Australian dates already scheduled for March 2026. You can find more information here.
