This past Sunday, I got to see Conan Gray’s “Wishbone Pajama Show” at the Tinley Park Credit Union 1 Amphitheater. It was my first time seeing him and, safe to say, he did not disappoint.
Even before the show started, the overall atmosphere was one of the most pleasant environments I’ve ever experienced at a concert. Between the pajama dress code and how kind everyone was, it really felt like one big slumber party. Once Gray took the stage — via bike — the energy was unfaltering. With charming set design modeled after his home state of Texas and a performance split into three acts, the audience was taken on a journey through the world of Gray’s newest album, “Wishbone.”
The concert lasted around an hour and a half and featured 20 songs, including a surprise song section. At this point in the show, two options were displayed on the stage and a fan was chosen to break a wishbone with Gray for the chance of picking the song. Gray got the long end but let the fan choose anyway. From the options of the much older “Fight or Flight” and the never-before performed “Sunset Tower,” off Gray’s most recent album, the fan chose “Sunset Tower.” This was exactly the song I had hoped for and the crowd must have agreed if the volume of their singing was anything to go by.
Throughout the performance, there were multiple set and costume changes. At one point, Gray matched his fans and donned pajamas, even climbing into a giant bed in between songs for a quick nap. Another time, Gray reappeared from a costume change by popping out of a row boat. Through glamorous outfits and entertaining surprises, Gray created an environment of nonstop excitement.
However, it would not be a Conan Gray concert without some tears and more than a few were definitely shed in response to Gray’s swooping, emotional vocals. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the night was the impressive high note during the bridge of “Vodka Cranberry” that Gray has hit every show without fail.
The whole performance felt magical, full of dancing, laughter, and tears. If you are considering going to one of the future dates of this tour, take this as your sign to do it. You will not regret it.
