[Concert Review] Rachel Platten, Ben Abraham, and Jojo Dodge Shine at The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix
A quiet Saturday night in Phoenix was anything but ordinary as The Rebel Lounge hosted an emotionally powerful and joy-filled show featuring Jojo Dodge, Ben Abraham, and headliner Rachel Platten. Each artist brought authenticity, warmth, and vulnerability to the intimate venue, leaving the crowd with unforgettable moments and a renewed appreciation for connection through music.
Jojo Dodge: A Promising Start
Opening the night was Jojo Dodge, a rising indie folk artist from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. With this show being one of her first tour stops, Jojo’s performance felt raw and genuine, highlighted by a standout moment where fans began singing along to her songs—an emotional first for her. The energy reached a high point during her cover of "Kiss Me," with the entire crowd joining in, their voices filling the room in harmony. The atmosphere was electric, and the sea of phone lights glowing during one of her songs made it clear: Jojo Dodge is an artist to watch.
Ben Abraham: Humor, Harmony, and Heart
Ben Abraham took the stage next and instantly captivated the crowd with his lyrical vulnerability and charming stage presence. An Australian artist now based in California, Ben shared stories of his travels, including a recent visit to the Grand Canyon, and connected with the Phoenix crowd on his second visit to the city.
The set was filled with standout moments—from his powerful vocals on "If I Didn’t Love You" to an impromptu singalong of harmonies he directed with the audience. One of the most touching moments was when he invited a fan and her friend onstage, creating an intimate and interactive experience. His blend of sincerity and wit (including the now iconic joke, “The opposite of Celine Dion is Celine Dioff”) had the crowd laughing and singing along.
Ben also shared songs from his upcoming album Friendly Fire, revealing his roots in church music and how that has shaped his style. The emotionally resonant “Requiem” and the tender “Never Been Worse but Never Been Better” showcased his depth and sincerity. By the end of his set, it was clear Ben wasn’t just an opener—he left a lasting impact and expressed hope to return to Phoenix for his own headline show.
Rachel Platten: A Triumphant Return
For the first time in seven years, Rachel Platten returned with a headline tour—and her Phoenix stop was nothing short of triumphant. The stage setup, adorned with vintage lamps, a grand piano, a cello, and soft lighting, set the tone for an evening that felt both cozy and powerful.
Rachel shared personal stories about her emotional journey over the past few years, speaking openly about mental health, healing, and rediscovering joy through music. Before one song, she led the audience in a moment of group breathing, then performed “Bad Thoughts,” a song co-written with her friend Keon Palmer, who was in attendance. Her storytelling and presence were magnetic, bringing fans into her world.
Highlights included inviting young girls onstage during "Girls Are Born to Run," where she gave each of them a hug and delivered a message of empowerment. She even spotted a fan sign asking her to design a tattoo—and she did, right then and there.
Rachel’s vocals were powerful throughout the night, particularly on gospel-inspired moments like “Mercy,” where she asked fans to sing the choir parts with her. Her emotional honesty peaked during a duet with Ben Abraham and again during a heartfelt wedding dedication for two fans, Shay and Michael, where she encouraged the audience to hold up lights and make the venue sparkle like a wedding night.
The evening wrapped with Rachel bringing her entire tour crew and fellow artists onstage for a final song, creating a touching sense of unity. She reflected on the challenges of touring independently and thanked the crowd for their support, expressing deep gratitude to be performing again.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a concert—it was a night built on stories, connection, and genuine human emotion. Jojo Dodge gave us a glimpse of a promising new voice. Ben Abraham reminded us of the joy in shared moments and deep lyrics. Rachel Platten poured her heart out, offering a vulnerable, empowering performance that will stay with attendees long after the lights dimmed.
Rating: 5/5 – A beautifully intimate evening that celebrated love, growth, and the healing power of music.
