On a Monday night that felt more like a Saturday, Boston’s House of Blues was packed wall-to-wall for FLO’s “Access All Areas” tour. In five years here in Boston, I’ve never seen a line stretch that far down Lansdowne Street (and even spilling over onto Brookline Avenue a good bit). The energy inside matched the anticipation outside, a fully sold-out crowd ready for a night of R&B and partying.
Chxrry22: A Solo Act with Stadium Presence
Opening the night was Chxrry22, an Ethiopian-Canadian singer signed to The Weeknd’s XO Records. Performing solo on a stage made for a trio, she filled the space with confidence and powerful stage presence. Her set leaned into her moody style of R&B, anchored by her latest single “Just Like Me.”
Despite the minimal setup, Chxrry22’s stage presence carried her set and it was a rare (but well deserved) moment where the opener had the full attention of the crowd.
FLO: Polished, Powerful, and Poised
After a bit of a delay, FLO emerged from their red doors to a roar of approval. The UK trio of Jorja Douglas, Renée Downer, and Stella Quaresma descended a set of illuminated stairs framed by three crimson doors with fans blowing and lights pulsing. It was a level of production rarely seen in mid-sized venues, more reminiscent of arena tours than club shows.
FLO quickly proved their set was about more than just a pretty set. They delivered a masterclass in harmony and choreography. Tracks from their debut album “Access All Areas” translated seamlessly to the stage, with live vocals that sounded even better in person than on their album.
The night concluded with “I’m Just a Girl”, the closing track to their debut album, which, unlike many albums, ends with an absolute banger. With this packed-out show at the House of Blues (on a Monday no less), FLO and Chxrry22 proved that R&B is thriving.
For tickets to the “Access All Areas” tour, visit https://www.flolikethis.com/
Nathan Smith is a Providence-based music photographer and journalist focusing on capturing the special moments and unfiltered magic of live performances. Whether he’s shooting established artists at sold-out TD Garden shows or documenting the rise of emerging local bands, his goal is the same: to pull viewers directly into the heart of the moment.
His writing spotlights rising artists and local scenes, with a focus on telling the stories that often get overlooked. A lifelong music fan and musician himself, Nathan approaches interviews and portraits as conversations rather than transactions, building trust with artists so their genuine personalities can shine through. Whether he’s backstage, in the photo pit, or at home in front of the keyboard, he brings the same curiosity and care to every assignment.
Outside of his press work with Juice Box Press, Nathan works regularly as a photographer with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as numerous bands in the Boston and Providence area. Nathan also plays violin with a local orchestra, follows Celtics basketball almost religiously, and is an avid fantasy reader.