Pink Sweat$ @ Gramercy Theatre

Pink Sweat$ delivered an outstanding performance at Gramercy Theatre on February 16, 2024, captivating the audience with his talent.

Pink Sweat$

What would you do if you found out you got approved to photograph a show 10 minutes before the doors opened and you’re 40 minutes away from the venue? Would you let it slide or would you drop everything to make it happen under such short notice? For me, upon seeing the approval for Pink Sweat$, there was no doubt in my mind that I wasn’t going to miss this show.

My week was a busy one, to say the least. I spent Valentine’s Day photographing 4 bands at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC. The next day, a sound check shoot, interview, and concert led me to leave the venue at 1 AM. With the aches and pains I felt all over my body from the endless grind of the past two days, I was absolutely exhausted. The approval not only led me to excitement but also a lot of nerves.

“Could I pull this off?”

“Will I make it in time?”

All thoughts that raced through my head as I packed my gear to run to the train station. I knew deep down I couldn’t miss Pink Sweat$ and this opportunity.

Getting to the show

A 40-minute commute and a quick run to the nearest 7/11 to grab water led me to make it to the Gramercy Theatre with only 30 minutes to spare. Sadly, I was not able to capture the opening act, Solomon, but everyone told me how incredible he was. Because of his intimate performance, they are motivated to head to Europe for his upcoming tour. Regardless, I was in the door; tonight was going to be great. Little did I know that I would completely underestimate the concert and what it would teach me.

With only a few LED candles lined up on the stage, the lights were incredibly dim. A crowd filled wall to wall; every seat in the balcony taken. I had never seen the Gramercy Theatre this full before. I made my way to the pit, ran into photographers I knew, and made new friends in the process. It was time for Pink Sweat$ to perform, and it’s something I’ve never witnessed before in my career.

Show Time

Pink Sweat$ comes out, a band behind him all in pink jerseys proudly with his name on it and the number seven. The crowd is in awe as they held each other’s hands and pushed closer together. This wasn’t the typical concert scene where folks are pushing and shoving to get as close as possible. It was a group of people forming to become one. Instead of everyone moving around in the photo pit, we sat for 5 songs. We sat on the hard metal barricade, lifting our cameras to our eyes and just snapped away; occasionally crawling from side to side to get different angles.

I learned recently from an artist that the best live performances come from a place of transaction. The artist’s vulnerability and the audience’s vulnerability must be exchanged in some way. It was clear that Pink Sweat$ understood the assignment. Under that dim light, acoustic guitars, beautiful keyboard melodies in hand. The fans holding each other, swaying in unison, smiling at each other, and Pink Sweat$ on stage belting his heart out. The transaction was visible that you could feel it from miles away.

The Set

Pink Sweat$ performed all of his best, “Run Through Fire,” “At My Worst,” “I Feel Good,” and “17.” He even sampled Nicki Minaj’s “Your Love,” which I enjoyed quite a bit; it was a great throwback that flowed well with his style. Pink Sweat$ was incredibly interactive with the crowd. He encouraged folks to form a dance circle in the middle of the floor. Pink Sweat$ showed his endless gratitude for his band. It was a safe atmosphere; the way that all concerts should be.

The acoustic sounds of Pink Sweat$ were exactly what I needed in that moment. His performance taught me that it was okay to take it slow at times and that you will get to where you want to be. As a concert photographer, the music industry is infamous for the hustle and grind culture. The endless hours of experimentation, reaching out, and constantly advocating and hoping for your talents to be seen and heard all over the world.

Gratitude

After a long 48 hours of shows, I am so grateful that Pink Sweat$ could wrap up the week and exceed my expectations. Thank you, Pink Sweat$, for providing such a wholesome, intimate space to share your talents and for your fans to express their love and vulnerability as they immersed in your music. Pink Sweat$ delivered a captivating and intimate performance, providing a wholesome space for fans to express love and vulnerability through music, wrapping up a week of hustle and grind with an unforgettable show you simply don’t want to miss.