Photo credit: Marc Millman

On Friday, June 14th, legendary musician Perry Farrell and his Kind Heaven Orchestra played a combination of new material and older songs to a full house in New York as part of their residency at various City Winery locations throughout the U.S. The tour follows the release of Farrell’s first solo album in 18 years, Kind of Heaven, released last week.

Farrell is most known for being an important part of the famous alternative band Jane’s Addiction, which helped define and sustain alternative rock in the 90s. Farrell also is known for helping to create the famous and thriving Lollapalooza Music Festival, as well as for being a part of groups like Porno for Pyros and Satellite Party.

The show opened with Kristeen Young, an avant garde pianist and singer-songwriter who has collaborated with Farrell and other artists like David Bowie, Morrissey, Brian Moko of Placebo, and The Damned. Her high-pitched singing was a slight juxtaposition to the building crowd and bustling throughout City Winery, but that did not kill her spirit, right down to the subtle piano pattern embellished on her dress.

When Farrell and his band came onstage, his infectious charisma lit up the whole room almost instantaneously. Many people had trouble looking away but I’m sure that some checked their phones to see how old Farrell was and were astounded because he does not look 60 AT ALL. The incredible shape that Farrell is in made him incredibly energetic, engaging, and alluring. There were also lots of visuals on screens at either side of the stage, some that were pretty sensual as well. The combination of charisma and sheer talent made for a highly entertaining show, all around. It was also exciting that Farrell sang and danced onstage with his wife, the gorgeous Etty Lau Farrell.

Since I was a former 90s rock fanatic and Jane’s Addiction fan and never got to see them, my favorite part was definitely hearing and seeing performances of songs like “Jane Says,” “Pets” (Porno for Pyros) and “Summertime Rolls.” The audience was also really excited to see Perry Farrell and hear the older songs most of all, so that created a connection that was seen in the dancing and photo/video taking and heard in the singing.  The newer material had more of a lounge vibe, which fit the vibe of City Winery. The older material and covers balanced the show out.

Since I was initially on the fence about going after a busy week, I ended up being so glad I went and also feeling reawakened by hearing older songs I used to love. I will definitely catch another show of his in the future if I’m given the opportunity.