Nessa Barrett delivered a stunning performance at the sold-out Fillmore Silver Spring on February 21, bringing her much-anticipated AFTERCARE World Tour to the Washington, D.C. area. Known for her moody alternative-pop style, she captivated a fashionable audience through a show filled with vulnerable lyrics and raw emotions. The setlist featured numerous tracks from her recent release, AFTERCARE DELUX, an expanded version of her 2024 AFTERCARE album, and her enthusiastic fans passionately sang along to every song during the night.
The evening began with Brooklyn-based artist Ari Abul, who warmed up the crowd with the fan-favorite track, “Girls On The Internet.” Known for her dark-pop tunes, she has been making waves in the industry since her debut in 2022, releasing numerous EPs and singles. The crowd responded with excitement, showering her with adoration as she performed tracks like “Bury You,” “Worship,” and “Haunt Your Dreams.”
At one point, an audience member gifted her a customized feathered cowboy hat, while others offered their phones, which she happily used to record a selfie video midway through her set. She closed her electrifying performance with the TikTok viral hit, “BABYDOLL,” leaving fans energized and ready for Nessa’s arrival on stage.
As the house lights dimmed, it signaled the start of the main act. Nessa’s band members took their places on stage moments before a familiar silhouette appeared against bright white lights. When the heavy synth opening of “S.L.U.T.” began to play, the lights intensified, strobing in time with the beats. Deafening cheers from fans resonated throughout the venue, welcoming Nessa, who stood center stage behind her white microphone stand, wearing a sparkly mini dress and sleek high heels.
For the next hour and a half, Nessa took her fans on a mesmerizing journey through the ups and downs of romance and relationships outlined in her AFTERCARE DELUX album, interspersing a few older hits such as “scare myself” and even covering Portishead’s “Glory Box.” Throughout the show, background visuals displayed glitchy black-and-white graphics, ranging from slow-motion horses for “MUSTANG BABY” to eerie TV static for “PINS AND NEEDLES,” and even some iconic Tim Burton movie scenes during “EDWARD SCISSORHANDS.”
For slower songs like “DOES GOD CRY?,” Nessa perched delicately on a tall white stool, pouring her soul into the poignant lyrics. At one point she even brought out a glittery white guitar to accompany her vocals during “DIRTY LITTLE SECRET,” surprising fans who screamed in excitement. The performance ended with the dark-synth track “P*RNSTAR,” enhanced by flashing lights as Nessa showcased sultry dance moves around her microphone stand.
Not wanting the show to end, fans began chanting her name, hoping for an encore. Nessa responded to their request, returning to the stage for three additional songs, closing out with the title track of her album, “AFTERCARE.” Amid twirling white lights, she blew kisses to the audience and expressed gratitude for their support before happily skipping off the stage as the band dramatically concluded the final notes of the song.
Since her official debut in 2020, Nessa Barrett has consistently showcased her artistry and undeniable talent with each new song release. Delivering a masterful vocal and visual performance with her current AFTERCARE World Tour, devoted fans are already hoping for her swift return to the Washington, D.C. area. The tour will continue until June 2025 with performances throughout North and South America before heading over to Europe, so be sure to catch a show near you!
Keep up with Nessa Barrett: Website // Instagram // TikTok // X // Spotify // YouTube
Keep up with Ari Abdul: Website // Instagram // X // YouTube
omg I am so happy I went… My first and best concert ever! Do recommend.
It was such a beautiful performance, and definitely a memorable night! ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚