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Caroline Smith

Image: Caroline Smith performing at First Avenue on April 16, 2016

Minnesota's own Caroline Smith delivered an empowering performance to her dedicated fans at St. Kate's magnificent O'Shaughnessy Auditorium. After making her name as a sweet-singing folk-rocker, Caroline Smith has put her band the Good Night Sleeps to bed and roused a sexy new R&B sound. Smith's blue-eyed soul is a classic throwback to the music that she was introduced to as a child. "I grew up with my mom listening to a ton of Carly Simon, Carole King, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin". Powerful and self confident, Caroline Smith embodies what it means to be a woman. 

The evening began with an enchanting performance from nocturnal pop artist Dizzy Fae. A graduate from St. Paul Conservatory of Performing Artists, it was clear the seventeen year old felt at home on stage. Dizzy captivated the audience with her unique, alluring style from the moment she sang her first haunting melody. Wearing tall white boots and an oversized bright red t-shirt that simply said 'Love', Dizzy was not afraid to dance and get lost in her music. She found a way to transform the auditorium into her own personal jam session with her dreamy R&B/electronic sound. As the last beautifully innocent note echoed through the dazzling auditorium, Dizzy Fae was showered with cheers and applause.

Dizzy Fae

Image: Dizzy Fae gets lost in the music during her performance at Fine Line Music Cafe

After a short intermission, two women from St. Kate's talked briefly about the Women of Substance series and its' goal to showcase women’s ideas, amplify their voices and honor their place on life’s stage. Caroline Smith is the perfect representation of a woman of substance because she explores the complexities of femininity and approaches the topic with a rare, upbeat vulnerability.

The moment had arrived for Caroline Smith to perform but first, a special guest was invited to the stage. Martha Byron, Smith's mother, introduced her beloved daughter in a way that no one else could. Sharing the same lively blue eyes, Martha shared a few personal stories about the challenges that both she and her daughter have faced throughout their lives. She talked about bravery and staying true to yourself, both of which are themes found in Smith's music. Holding back tears, Martha invited the audience to welcome, "My Caroline Smith".

Caroline Smith

Image: Caroline Smith with her mother Martha Byron during an interview with The Riveter in May 2015

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Caroline Smith gracefully walked on stage while cheers and applause rang through the auditorium. It was obvious the moment was a bit overwhelming, but Smith quickly composed her self and thanked the audience for their support. Looking like a true powerhouse female, Caroline Smith wore a blue pinstripe suit/dress with classy black heels, while her frizzy blonde hair bounced playfully in a bun. The chemistry with her band and backup singer Mina Moore, who is an amazing musician on her own, was obvious as she traded laughs during the opening song. Smith told the audience through a beautiful smile, "This is my best friend in the whole world right here", and embraced Moore like a sister.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better, Caroline picked up the guitar and began to groove. Her fans didn't miss one lyric as Caroline sang her hit song, "All That I Know". She side stepped perfectly on rhythm with her guitar in hand and engaged the audience in a way that made the auditorium feel like Smith's living room. Watching Caroline Smith perform was so refreshing because, like her heroes Carol King and Aretha Franklin, she embodies what it means to be a woman. 

Caroline Smith

Image: Caroline Smith's powerful voice on display at First Avenue on April 16, 2016

As Smith set down her gorgeous daphne blue mustang guitar, her band smoothly transitioned into the powerful song, "The One Thing". She was not afraid to embrace her emotions and sang each meaningful lyric with pain in her voice. "You got to move on. You got to let him go". The song appeared to be difficult for Smith because it came from such a personal experience and spoke about the idea of leaving someone behind. She was not afraid to hold back her emotions and poured her heart out on stage making the moment even more powerful.

The energy in the room reached a new level when Caroline Smith began the title track off her album, Half About Being a Woman. Smith was breathtaking as she cooed about everything it means to be a woman. From relationships to body image, she touched on so many important issues that woman face and she did so with such honesty and class. It was incredible to feel the audience, which was predominantly female, connect with Smith on such a personal level. All the emotions and struggles of being a woman seemed to be perfectly wrapped into this song and Smith delivered with flawless precision.

Caroline Smith

Image: Caroline Smith showcases her blue-eyed soul on her album 'Half About Being a Woman'

The audience roared when the band walked off the stage, but the deafening applause only grew when Smith appeared by her self for an encore. She innocently sat at the piano and said, "I might mess up so stay with me". Every distraction faded away as Smith began a somber progression on the piano and sang, "Graceful and strong like a man oughta be as he's fumbling around for his keys". The song, entitled "Downfall", is a majestic ballad that tells the story of a broken relationship and the emotions that run rampant in both men and women. Smith seemed to be having a conversation with the audience, taking pauses after certain lines to give breath to the song. The melody flowed effortlessly and lyrics filled with intimacy complimented Smith's sultry voice. The audience remained silent for a brief moment basking in the gift that they had just been given before erupting with applause. Smith bowed graciously and invited her band back on stage for their final song, "Child of Moving On".

It was truly a privilege to be a part of this special evening that showcased these two amazing women of substance. Dizzy Fae and Caroline Smith are both incredibly gifted performers who explore what it means to be a woman through their music. It is a pleasure and a privilege to say that both of these amazing women call Minnesota their home. We are all very lucky to have them so don't miss the chance to witness their performance the next time they come around.

Last Edited: April 5, 2017