The Chris Young Cafe was filled with music and anticipation Friday as the hub for “Perfect Match,” Match Records Valentine’s show, hosted by Jack Robert and Avery Grace, also known as Blank Page.
The couple has been putting on a Valentine’s Day show since the release of their single “Flower,” which Robert wrote for their 2-year anniversary. Now, they’re spreading the love by bringing the tradition to MTSU.
“We are freshmen here at MTSU, so we just moved here this year, and we had a little bit of fear that we wouldn’t be able to do this show,” Grace said. “But, thankfully, to Match Records, they made it happen, so we’re very thankful for this show.”
The show included Match artists David Vandelay, Raven Hinchey, Sav. and Blank Page. Each artist brought their unique sound to the stage with original songs and a few well-loved covers.
Vandelay opened the show at the keyboard with a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” The singer made audience members swoon with a couple of unreleased originals and one additional cover.
The artist surprised attendees with Rosalía’s “Sauvignon Blanc,” singing in Spanish with beautiful pronunciation and piano playing.
“Tonight, I think might not have been the best example of fun that I want to go for, but Valentine’s Day, I think a few ballads are…” Vandelay said.
The artist shared an inside joke with the crowd closing his set with “After Prom,” an unreleased original he plays at many of his shows.
After a short break, Raven Hinchey and Sav. took the stage, breaking the audience into giggles as Sav. leaned into the microphone to ask for paper towels after a Gatorade spill. The two went right into their first song, a cover of “Vampire Empire” by Big Thief.
Hinchey and her counterpart had listeners hanging on every note with their beautiful harmonies, ethereal vocals and gorgeous riffs. Each artist sang some original tunes, including one song they wrote together that hasn’t been released…yet.
“I convinced Raven to write a happy song for once,” Sav. said jokingly to the crowd.
Hivenchy responded, telling the audience, “That’s my first happy song, guys, go easy on me.”
The two truly leaned into the Valentine’s Day spirit, singing some original love songs and closing out their set with a cover of “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star. By the time they walked off the stage, the women had entranced the audience with their witty commentary and soulful songwriting.
“I just love writing with Raven, and we love singing together,” Sav. said, Raven chimed in, “We’re best friends.”
From best friends to high school sweethearts, the concert ended with Blank Page, the southern duo from Maryland. The two opened with an original and sang about love and life.
With Robert on the guitar singing harmony, and Grace using the tambourine singing melody, it showcased a modern-day Johnny and June.
As the two performed, their love for one another was present in their songwriting, vocals and stage presence.
The duo performed a couple of unreleased originals, including one titled “My Man, My Woman,” drawing the audience in with quick guitar picking and strong vocal runs.
“It’s very country, but it’s a little more silly and playful but still a love song. So you have to let us know if you like it or not, because we’re going to be recording it soon, and hopefully making some release plans,” Grace said.
At the end, the audience erupted with clapping and after asking if they should release the song, the couple received an resounding yes from the audience.
The show was clearly seen as a success not only from the turnout, but from audience feedback as well. Audience member Natalie Van Dorp smiled as she talked about her experience from the night.
“I really enjoyed the show tonight and I thought it was a great showcase of Match’s diverse roster of artists.”
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