In a moving and emotional performance, Mary Lambert sang her heart out on Tuesday evening for an awestruck group of Binghamton University students. The 90-minute set left much of the audience in silence and, in many cases, tears.
Since her vocal work was sampled in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ hit “Same Love,” Lambert has been rapidly rising in fame, releasing her EP “Letters Don’t Talk,” traveling on tour with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and even performing at the 2013 Video Music Awards. The Seattle-based singer focuses on issues like body image, sexuality and sexual abuse. But despite the sad nature of her material, Lambert’s optimistic and bright personality was showcased through her stage presence and honesty with the crowd.
Donning a black, multicolored print dress, Lambert stood before the onstage piano and introduced herself with an inviting smile.
“I’m going to cry at you and sing some songs. My name is Mary Lambert,” she said.
Her performances are known for their openness with the audience, and she encourages the audience to cry with her during concerts. Lambert said that she loves smaller shows because they are “so intimate, I can make eye contact. I can look at people while they’re crying.”
She began the show, which was co-sponsored by the Rainbow Pride Union, the Equality Project, SHADES and the Student Association Programming Board, with three original songs. One was “Forget Me,” the second track on “Letters Don’t Talk.” Students were captivated by her strong lyrics, beautiful voice and the sheer sincerity of her performance.
“I was surprised,” said Jamila Gordon, a sophomore majoring in psychology. “I really didn’t listen to her before, but after today I definitely see her as a true artist. She was able to touch the crowd.”
Only two hours before she took the stage, Lambert requested to use a practice room to write a new song, which she debuted at the concert.
“We led her into the Fine Arts Building … she wrote a song in an hour,” said Donald Lodge, director of RPU and a senior double-majoring in political science and Chinese. “She said she was inspired by the snow in Binghamton.”
In addition to her musical success, Lambert is an accomplished spoken word poet, having released a book in January entitled “500 Tips for Fat Girls.” When she shared the poem “I Know Girls (Body Love),” you could hear a pin drop within the crowd, mesmerized by the emotion so plainly expressed on her face.
“I’m glad you’re here. Sometimes I think you’re holding me … know that I’m holding you in my heart,” said Lambert after reading the piece.
This type of bond between the audience and performer is rare, and students enjoyed the opportunity to relate with Lambert in such a way.
“I thought it went really well,” Lodge said. “I noticed in the front, a lot of people were crying, just crying with her. People really enjoyed it.”
After the concert, Lambert spoke to Release about the influence of music on our ability to understand other people.
“I believe in the power of vulnerability,” Lambert said. “I believe it has the power to change society. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, there is the greatest opportunity for human connection.”
Opening for Mary Lambert was Laura Keim, a junior majoring in music. Keim began with a cover of Melissa Etheridge’s “Like The Way I Do,” followed by a few originals. Keim got the chance to open for Lambert through a contest run by RPU.
“She was amazing obviously, she was very, very real,” Keim said. “She displays all her emotion. I admire that because I’m a songwriter also. I feel like I’m really vulnerable with my music, and it’s nice to get to know someone in the same way.”
Lambert closed the show with an encore of her most famous song, “She Keeps Me Warm,” which was received with loud and enthusiastic applause. After the performance, she stayed to sign autographs and pose for pictures.
Approximately 160 tickets were sold for that evening, with $1 from every ticket sold going to the Identity Youth Center in Downtown Binghamton, a place for kids to go for help when they are struggling with their identity. In all, the event was a milestone for RPU and a moving experience for those who attended.
“It was one of the best shows I’ve seen in a really long time,” said Devyn Savitsky, a junior double-majoring in psychology and history. “I’m like, super emotional. I have a ton of homework, but I’m going to go home and write music instead.”