Macklemore and Ryan Lewis came to Bremerton this past week, and let me tell you: those guys know how to throw a party. It was the second to last stop of their Washington “The Camping Trip” tour, but it seemed like they had enough energy to carry on for months to come.
Macklemore doesn’t hide his love for Washington or the people who live here, as he’s constantly called us his backbone, as we’ve always been here to support him. The camping trip tour was created to give back to his fans and thank us for supporting him, as well as getting back to the roots of the small-town boy he’s made himself to be. The cities chosen were not the typical ones you’d expect for a normal Grammy-winning artist to be at -- Spokane, Yakima, Walla Walla, Enumclaw, Olympia, Hoquiam, Bremerton, and Bellingham. The venues were small and personal theatres where no matter where you were, you were truly apart of the show. Best of all, assuming you were one of the few to score a ticket to the sold-out shows, admission was only 20 bucks. I really don’t know what else to say but 'damn, that’s a rockin' deal.'
Doors to the Admiral Theatre opened at 7:30, and the line moved swiftly from that time on. Once inside, we we’re greeted with a vintage theatre atmosphere where mermaids lined the walls and the worn teal carpet below provided just enough support. There were two options for viewing: the main floor, which was a standing space only, and a balcony above with plush seats. Wanting the best experience, I opted for the closest area I could get, so I joined the group of maybe 70 people that had already started to gather at the front of the stage. I should note there was no barrier between the stage and the floor; this was going to be good.
The first artist, Xperience, came out at 8:15, where he performed for half an hour. While not directly knowing who he was, I knew what he sang. Claiming to be a friend of Macklemore for 13 years, he sang some older tracks from Macklemore that he had lines in, as well as multiple examples of his own work, which was very similar in style and sound to Macklemore’s. It is safe to say he gained another follow that day. He introduced the next opener, Dave B, another Seattleite who knew how to bring it. His vibe was different from XPs, more electric and heavy in the bass. He was there to party, and party he did. I’m a pretty solid guy -- my hips aren’t the loosest things in the world -- but Dave B had me swaying and jumping in no time. He performed for another half hour, which lead right up to the main performance itself.
When 9:30 rolled around, the lights, which were already dimmed, went darker, and my body shook from the bass as it poured out of the large black boxes. This was the moment I’d been waiting for, and as the leaders of the Shark Face Gang walked on stage, all sound around me turned to static from the massive amount of cheering going on.
Macklemore and Ryan played way more songs than I thought they would, as well as a wider range of albums. Neither are ever a bad thing, so I can’t complain. He knew how to work the crowd, even literally riding on the crowd's enthusiasm at one point. Honestly, I never thought I’d be excited to have some guy stand on me, but there I was, ecstatic as a five-year-old on Christmas morning. It was a surreal experience to be so involved.
One of the main things that really made it memorable for me wasn’t his singing, it was when he was simply talking. Macklemore isn’t shy to spit what he feels as he preached the crowd about his opinions on controversial issues such as immigration, equal rights for all, gender equality, and even some presidential candidates. He’s honestly as caring and sincere as someone could be when it comes to things that are important to to him. If it was a viable option, I know who I’d be writing in for president this year. #macklemore2020
He closed with one of his newest hits, Downtown, which was more than fitting watching him here in downtown Bremerton. Hundreds of fans were gathered in that theatre cheering on our hometown hero as he left the stage. I just want to say that his line from "Can’t Hold Us," “I got my city right behind me if I fall, they got me,” is all too true. Have no fear, Macklemore, we’re here for you until the end and then more.
