Lizzy McAlpine Shines At Newport Music Hall

In the soft glow of the stage lights at Newport Music Hall, singer-songwriter and rising star Lizzy McAlpine buzzed with excitement over the packed Columbus audience, thanking them for coming out to see her open for Dodie. The “Build A Problem” tour is the first for the 22-year-old, though you wouldn’t be able to tell from her performance. 

Lizzie McAlpine, courtesy of Lara Knopf

McAlpine’s sparse set-up of just her and her guitar created an intimate atmosphere more like a coffee shop show than the packed venue that it was. In between playing songs from her 2020 album Give Me a Minute and newer singles like “Erase Me,” McAlpine talked to the audience like she was chatting with old friends. Explaining the genesis of “Erase Me,” she divulged that the song was about when you finally get over someone only to go into a “hoe phase,” and feel even worse. The crowd erupted in knowing laughter, feeling an obvious connection with the singer-songwriter and her endearing candor. 

Over the course of her hour-long set, McAlpine’s musical talent was also on full display. Totally captivated by her impressive vocal range and lush tone, the audience– significantly composed of women around McAlpine’s age– responded in impressed whoops and screams. They sang along with songs like “Apple Pie,” an older single from 2019, while McAlpine performed with the composure and emotionality of an artist beyond her years. It was clear when McAlpine gave her final goodbyes and hyped the audience up for Dodie, that this is certainly just the beginning for her.

Dodie, courtesy of Lara Knopf