Janelle Monáe’s ‘Age Of Pleasure’ Tour Is Not About The Titties
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A breezy Saturday evening in the Pacific Northwest set the atmosphere for a night of “Champagne Sh*t.”
On their third tour stop of a 26-city run, Janelle Monáe creates a colorful, queer sanctuary where “Lipstick Lovers” come to indulge. Taking place at the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield, Wash., the largest outdoor amphitheater in the Portland, Ore. metropolitan area, thousands gathered in brightly hued clothing, risky cutouts, and glittery bare skin.
Beginning the show with “Float,” Monáe graced the stage in a 3D floral ensemble as the crowd cheered. A sound vocal delivery highlighted the keen confidence portrayed in the song’s lyrics. From then on, the concert immediately transformed into a night of celebration, allowing fans to fully embrace the empowering moment.
Channeling the energy of predecessors like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Grace Jones, the show grooved through different stages of Monáe’s artistry. With lively renditions of the Grammy-nominated musician’s biggest hits, newest revelations, and deep-cut fan favorites, eyes were locked on the performer in her prime. Favorites such as “Electric Lady,” “I Like That,” and “PYNK”—including the infamous vagina pants from the music video—all made a welcomed appearance.
Leading up to the Age Of Pleasure’s release, the 37-year-old made it clear their areola would not be policed. The album’s teaser marked a new era of emancipating self-care championing masturbation, nudity, attending therapy, and prioritizing wellness. The vinyl artwork, music videos, and Monaé’s ESSENCE festival performance all included flashes of her breast shortly after its release.
While the display introduced debates on desirability and respectability, the concert provided a dedicated space for all to experience the freedom that radiates every time the acclaimed actress goes topless. Doing whatever brings them joy—whether it’s wearing an a**-out, sequin, and spandex concert ensemble or sharing a queer kiss in front of the world—fandroids cried, laughed, and twerked together under the sparkling night sky.
As the final standing ovation continued, Monáe returned to the stage for a powerful close. Firmly clutching the microphone the headliner made sure everyone under the sound of their voice understood the Age Of Pleasure.
“It’s not about the titties,” she declared, reminding the audience that while we may dance the night away, the work is never done. “My hope with the age of pleasure is that in this moment we don’t center the darkness, we don’t center the hate, but we create a little oasis that is centered around love.”
Fandroids stood in applause as the stage lights reflected on Monáe’s final, sequined black and white costuming.
They continued in closing, “We all know what we’re up against, and when we leave here we will be reminded of that. But my hope is that tonight and every time you think of me and every time you listen to the music Do know that you have the right to simply experience pleasure.”
UPCOMING AGE OF PLEASURE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
Thu Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre
Mon Oct 02 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 03 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Wed Oct 04 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
Fri Oct 06 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre Atlanta
Sat Oct 07 – New Orleans, LA – Orpheum Theater
Mon Oct 09 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Tue Oct 10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Wed Oct 11 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
Sun Oct 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Tue Oct 17 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Wed Oct 18 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater
*non-Live Nation date
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