David Kushner & Chance Peña – Webster Hall – New York (A PopEntertainment.com Concert Review)

David Kushner & Chance Peña – Webster Hall – New York, NY – September 7, 2023

Chance Peña is a musician known for his soulful and captivating music. Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, Peña gained widespread recognition after appearing on the hit TV show The Voice in 2015, where his unique singing and emotional performances endeared him to audiences. Since then, Peña has continued to evolve as an artist, blending elements of folk, indie, country, and soul into his music. His heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies are captivating and worldly, something from an old soul.

Peña opened the show with unreleased tracks "Cruel World" and "Thaw," raw in vocals and lyrics accompanied by passionate guitar, reminiscent of the late Johnny Cash. Peña then followed up with a unique cover of Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness" the crowd singing along with every word. Peña perfectly set the tone for the rest of the night as the lights dimmed, and David Kushner took the stage.

Chicago native Kushner is truly a star on the rise, currently based in Los Angeles, Kushner gained attention last year with a pair of hit singles, "Miserable Man" and "Mr. Forgettable" both found on his debut EP, “Footprints I Found.” His emotionally charged songs and astounding baritone voice touched immediately touched listeners around the globe. Hearing him live feels like you’re listening to a solo man choir, his voice is something of a heavyweight boxer, every note he hits just punches you right in the chest. Kushner opened his set with unreleased but stadium ready track "Dead Man," a teaser to his upcoming album and followed up with a tender performance of "Cigarettes."

Kushner took time to dedicate his performance of "Mr. Forgettable" to his late grandfather who passed away due to Alzheimer's. The crowd sang along with everything they had as Kushner delivered a soulful performance. Kushner is brooding with emotion and absolutely captivates the audience; his vocals are haunting and the strums from his guitar compliment him perfectly. The fans cling to every word, shouting every lyric as he performs "The Georgia Rain" and "Burn," heart torn confessions of broken love and closed the night with the fan favorite and the jumpstart to his career "Daylight." Kushner is a promising budding artist full of potential, a truly undeniable talent.

Natalie Orozco