NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
Singer/songwriter Melanie Martinez, a former contestant on The Voice’s third season, archived all her Instagram posts back in January of this year, making her fans wonder what was happening. When she release Portals, her third studio album, on March 31st, she also debuted a new look: a dark fairy complete with a mask with four eyes! Gone was the baby doll look with two-color hair tones. While Portals had arrived to mixed reviews, the first two singles “Death” and “Void” did produce her first Billboard Hot 100 hits. In May, she embarked on her Portals Tour and she stopped in Cleveland on July 5th as she nears completion. Fans had arrived early and the line snaked all the way out of the parking lot and down a couple of blocks. This was especially impressive as it was oppressively hot outside this day. But the heat wasn’t about to stop this eager crowd. After doors had opened and the amphitheater was filled, the venue was nice enough to pass out cups of water to the audience.
Opening for Martinez was San Francisco based Tanukichan (aka Hannah van Loon). Also touring on the heels of her second studio album Gizmo, she has been quite a discovery for many audience members. The first song of her set, “The Blue Sky”, sets the mood with dreamy vocals. But just as you’re ready to settle down for a set of dream pop, along comes a searing guitar solo! Melanie Martinez fans should definitely arrive at the venue early to check out this up and coming artist!
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There must have been some production issues because Melanie Martinez hit the stage twenty minutes late. As the first notes and eerie vocals of “DEATH” played, the crowd roared to life! The performance was absolutely captivating, with Martinez moving around the stage in full costume with her dancers weaving in and around her. Covered head to toe with a mask and makeup on, I’m not sure how Martinez was able to deal with the heat and humidity of summer in Cleveland, let alone sing. Special kudos to the dancers who were all in with, not only their choreographed dancing but their facial expressions. The background visuals and colors were also spot on, giving the stage that otherworldly feeling that Portals was supposed to convey to the audience. I was very impressed with the production in general but especially in Martinez’s voice, the emotions evident in every lyric. Her fans (previously called Crybabies and not Earthlings) were enraptured, singing along to all the songs, cheering and sometimes crying.
The show was truly the a Portals Tour show since all the songs in the setlist were from the album (deluxe version). It does make you wonder why the progression of the songs were not in the same order as the tracks on the record. It would make sense if the songs were played in a particular order. Nevertheless, it was a magnificent show and I hope Melanie Martinez makes it through this hot summer while performing in costume. She is heading to Europe and the UK later on this year after a few months of well-deserved rest. In the meantime, buy, download or stream Portals. It’s absolutely worth the listen.
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