Yola Delights Sold-Out 9:30 Club with Stunning Vocals and a Bit of Charm

Josh Brick
January 14, 2020

Yola Delights Sold-Out 9:30 Club with Stunning Vocals and a Bit of Charm

Josh Brick
January 14, 2020

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Yola, had the sold-out 9:30 Club crowd wrapped around her finger within the first song on Friday, January 10. Hailing from Bristol, England, the talented vocalist captivated a lively audience with her soulful voice, intriguing songs and charming personality. 

Yola

Yola's spirits were high, perhaps due to a sold-out room in DC on her first headlining North American tour. She was recently nominated for an impressive four Grammy awards including Best New Artist, Best Americana Album (Walk Through Fire), Best Americana Roots Performance and Best Americana Roots Song ("Faraway Look"). 

Many of the songs she sang on Friday were from the aforementioned Walk Through Fire including the aeonymous track, "Shady Grove," "Rock Me Gently" and "I Don't Wanna Lie," among others. Yola saved the best for last when she performed the Elton John classic, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" in stunning fashion. 

Following a brief encore break, she sang more of her favorite songs including a wonderful "mashup" of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" before segueing into "The Letter" written by Wayne Carson, first recorded by The Box Tops and made popular by the late Joe Cocker. As if she hand't spread her joyous aura throughout the room, Yola paid tribute to one of her heroes, Aretha Franklin, with a beautiful take on "You're All I Need to Get By."

If Friday was any indication, the superstar-in-the-making singer will make her way back to DC very soon, telling the capacity crowd that "we should do this more often!" We couldn't agree more, Yola. 

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery


Enjoy photos by our photographer Josh Brick  of Josh Brick Graphics.

NPR Tiny Desk Appearance

NPR Tiny Desk Appearance

NPR Tiny Desk Appearance


The following video is courtesy of NPR's Tiny Desk Series.

Yola took some time to stop by NPR's Headquarters just a few blocks from her 9:30 Club Appearance.


About the author

Josh Brick

Josh Brick is amongst the most prolific photographers in the Washington, DC area. On any given night Josh can be found literally at any venue in and around the Washington, Maryland, and Virginia landscape.


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