Soul, Sparkle, and Stardom: Molly Grace Preaches in Berkeley

“It’s a shame I’m not a religious person because I think I would’ve made a great preacher. So, Berkeley, will you let me take you to church?” 

With those electrifying words in the latter half of her show, Molly Grace introduced “Heaven Sent,” slated for release in 2025. During her hour-long set, she kept that promise, blessing her star-struck crowd with what was one of the most incredible performances of my life. 

Molly Grace

On Wednesday, December 11th, my concert buddy and I eagerly walked the few blocks that stood between our dorms and Cornerstone in Berkeley, a music venue hosting Molly Grace on her Lovesick Tour. Grace is a pop/soul singer based in Nashville, known for her eccentric, colorful, and extra fruity performances. We arrived at 7:45 pm, 15 minutes before the opener was set to take the stage. After encountering some difficulties securing our photo pass, we were let in just minutes before the first set by Grace’s manager, who kindly offered to take the two of us backstage to meet the star. My hands were shaking as he walked us through the dark venue toward her dressing room. I have been listening to Molly Grace for about a year, quickly becoming a huge fan of her songwriting. Meeting her was as exhilarating as it was terrifying. She walked out with a wide, excited grin, embracing me with open arms. Onstage, Grace exudes an incredibly warm aura, and it is my pleasure to report she is exactly that behind the scenes. All I could think was, “What a truly kind and welcoming human being. Protect this woman at all costs.” 

In our short conversation, Grace raved about her opener, Caroline Kingsbury. She describes Kingsbury’s sound as a combination of Chappell Roan and Cindy Lauper. “Be prepared to fall in love,” she said. And fall in love I did. Kingsbury’s fashion sense drew me in instantly as she stepped on stage. She rocked a silver mullet with turquoise tips and matching David Bowie-level eyeliner. Her outfit was perfectly cohesive with her musical style, adorned in a polka dot blouse with wide shoulder pads and knee-high gogo boots. Kingsbury’s songs are spunky, punky, and littered with raw, feminine (and lesbian) energy that the crowd adored, myself included. She makes her homosexuality a major focus of her discography, referencing the gay community in much of her work. “Our House,” Kingsbury noted, was written lovingly for her LGBTQ+ fans and encourages them to embrace their sexual identities. She performed the crowd favorite, where the audience spells out the song name during the chorus with the eclectic performer.

After an incredible set from Kingsbury, the crowd of mostly women donning reddish pink clothing claimed their spaces near the front of the stage, anxiously anticipating Grace’s entrance. When she finally appeared on stage, the audience went wild. She visually looked the part of a popstar in her stunning sparkly blue mini dress, four-inch chunky heels, and glittery tights. The moment her voice echoed through her center-stage microphone, that title became hers. The singer’s voice is effortlessly dynamic, ranging from a smooth alto to a powerful mezzo-soprano, often in the same song. Her seamless riffs had the audience riding along the waves of her vocal ocean. 

Grace kicked off her show with a bang, opening with her funky and especially witty song, “Woman’s Intuition.” From the first verse, I knew I was in for a soulful treat. Grace introduced her band as the “lover boys,” with the incredibly skilled guitarist Jacob Hoekwater to her left, and the equally talented bassist Gert Arwood to her right. Behind her, Sam Hatfield anchored the performance with masterful drumming that kept the energy alive and fun. While the “lover boys” are immensely talented, it is clear they know Grace is the star of the show. At times, they appeared visibly in awe of her, even though they have been playing together for several years. 

(Left to right) Jacob Hoekwater on guitar, Molly Grace on vocals, Sam Hatfield on drums, and Gert Arwood on bass.

The songs ranged dramatically from upbeat funk hits like fan favorite “Lover (Love Her)” to emotional ballads like “My Mind Ain’t Always on My Side.” Grace even performed Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather,” and dare I say she outdid Sabrina, adding a soulful element to the pop tune. My personal favorite was a heartbreaking performance of “If I Never Told You,” leaving my cheeks drenched in tears. What I love most about Grace’s songwriting is how genuine it is, showcasing elements of her personal experiences while also being relatable to most listeners. Her lyrics flow effortlessly out of her bright red painted lips, indicating the deep connection she has to her writing. Grace also announced that her new song, “Fem” will be released January 10th after performing it for the crowd. “So mark your calendars,” she said. The concert ended with “Lovesick,” a fun tune that prompts some audience engagement, where Molly sings “Don’t think I ever want to,” followed by the crowd chanting “Fall in love again!”

Although her voice is undeniably spectacular, it’s Molly Grace’s stage presence that makes her the incredible performer that she is. She embodies the confidence of Taylor Swift, but was refreshingly personal thanks to the intimate venue. Grace’s joy was palpable as she laughed, danced, and connected with her audience, making it clear that she was having just as much fun—if not more—as the crowd. She isn’t just charismatic, though. Grace also brought a remarkable sense of vulnerability to the stage, revealing deeply personal moments like her coming-out story and the heartbreak of her first breakup. The balance of this energy created a communal and emotional experience, leaving the audience entertained as well as genuinely moved. 

After the show, Grace and Kingsbury greeted fans at the merchandise table. I watched as Grace lovingly embraced each individual that approached her with warmth and sincerity. In an industry often dominated by status-driven and self-absorbed artists, Grace’s authenticity is a breath of fresh air. As much as I wanted to gatekeep her brilliance, seeing her live confirmed what I’ve always suspected: Molly Grace is destined for fame.

Article by Sailor Hill

Photos by Sandra Jamaleddine