House of Music

Taylor Swift

Levi’s Stadium

Santa Clara, CA

July 28th, 2023

Photos and Review by Alexander Andrade

On a scintillating evening at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, on July 28th, 2023, music enthusiasts clad in sparkly outfits and donning cowboy hats eagerly gathered in anticipation of witnessing a pop superstar’s legendary performance. The air was charged with excitement as thousands of fans began queuing up outside the stadium as early as noon, determined to secure the best spots for the first of two highly anticipated concerts by none other than the incomparable Taylor Swift, gracing the home of the 49ers with her magnetic presence.

As the sun started to set, a sense of magic enveloped the stadium as a giant countdown clock appeared on the stage, building suspense among the expectant crowd. An enchanting aura of euphoria seemed to ripple through the audience, setting the stage for what was destined to be a night of unparalleled musical brilliance.

In an awe-inspiring display, several dancers gracefully emerged onto the stage, carrying large pastel tapestries that they meticulously arranged, creating an artful choreography that mesmerized the crowd. The music swelled, and from the depths of anticipation, Taylor Swift materialized like a phoenix rising from the ashes, marking the commencement of the Lover era and initiating the spellbinding three-and-a-half-hour odyssey through her captivating world of music.

A deafening roar of adoration erupted from the audience, their cheers echoing throughout the stadium as Taylor’s presence electrified the atmosphere. She began her performance with a shortened version of “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince,” seamlessly transitioning into the pulsating energy of “Cruel Summer.” Swift’s artistic prowess came to life as she made her way to the back half of the colossal stage, which was ingeniously designed to create an immersive experience for every attendee. Clad in a dazzling sequined blazer, she portrayed “The Man,” ascending a ladder reminiscent of a corporate office, all while delivering a sensational performance that left the crowd spellbound.

As the night unfolded, Taylor Swift, radiant and captivating, acknowledged the overwhelming support from her devoted fans. “Santa Clara, California, you are making me feel incredible right now,” she humbly expressed, knowing that she was about to deliver yet another sold-out show at Levi’s Stadium the following day.

The stage production was a stunning juxtaposition of grandeur and simplicity. A massive video screen adorned the back and sides of the stage, ensuring that everyone had a clear view of the awe-inspiring visuals. However, the heart of the stage was a giant LCD-covered runway that extended into the heart of the audience, creating an intimate connection between the superstar and her devoted fans. Set pieces, though smaller in scale, were thoughtfully positioned, enhancing the immersive experience.

This concert was no ordinary show; it was part of the Eras Tour, where Taylor Swift ingeniously supported not just one, but an astounding four new albums – “Lover,” “Folklore,” “Evermore,” and “Midnights.” The performance was artfully curated by era, immersing the audience in distinct musical journeys with different sets and wardrobe changes that transported them through time.

Taylor, ever the thoughtful artist, shared the concept behind the Eras Tour midway through the show. During the pandemic, unable to perform live, she channeled her creativity into making and releasing an abundance of new music. The result was a treasure trove of four albums, each brimming with heartfelt emotion and artistic ingenuity. Swift explained that the tour was her way of coping with the challenges of the past years, her response to the doubts about whether she could give each album its deserving spotlight on stage. Her resolute answer was an emphatic “Hell yes,” as she embarked on a magnificent journey, weaving together the essence of her diverse musical eras into a tapestry of timeless melodies.

The concert’s emotional crescendo arrived during Taylor’s soul-stirring rendition of “Champagne Problems” from her album “Evermore.” The crowd’s adoration was so overwhelming that Swift, with tears in her eyes, pulled out her in-ear monitors to fully immerse herself in the outpouring of love. Fans chanted her name, their devotion echoing through the stadium, leaving the star visibly moved by the profound connection she shares with her supporters. “This is amazing. What are you doing?” she responded incredulously, touched by the generous display of affection. “That was the most generous reaction to a sad, little piano song,” she humbly acknowledged, cherishing the unforgettable moment.

As the night unfolded like a tapestry of mesmerizing colors, the show journeyed through various eras. During her performance of “Long Live,” fireworks erupted from the neighboring Great America amusement park, synchronizing serendipitously with the beginning of her “Red” era. The evening was a testament to Taylor’s unmatched ability to create an immersive experience that transcends mere entertainment, delving into the realm of unforgettable memories.

Despite the strict curfew at Levi’s Stadium, Taylor Swift’s passion and dedication to her craft knew no bounds. The clock continued to tick, but she fearlessly embraced the moment, introducing surprise songs that went beyond the scheduled timeframe. Collaborating with longtime partner Aaron Dessner, she serenaded the crowd with “Right Where You Left Me” from her acclaimed album “Evermore,” followed by the live debut of “Castles Crumbling” from “Speak Now: Taylor’s Version.” The night was a tapestry of surprises, each one woven with love and gratitude for her loyal fans.

“It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve been able to play a show in the Bay Area,” Taylor expressed with heartfelt emotion. “It’s been five years. It feels so good to be back with you.” The audience responded with resounding cheers, a testament to the lasting bond between Taylor and her adoring Bay Area supporters.

Throughout the show, surprises continued to unfold, with HAIM making a stunning return to the stage, joining Taylor for a captivating performance of their collaboration “no body, no crime,” adorned in the elaborate dresses featured in the “Bejeweled” music video. Collaborator Aaron Dessner graced the stage for an intimate duet of “right where you left me,” leaving the audience enchanted by the magical moments that permeated the concert.

As the night drew to a close, Taylor Swift treated her devoted fans to a captivating selection of songs from her newest album. Enthralled by the exquisite melodies of “Lavender Haze,” the crowd basked in the glow of Taylor’s penultimate outfit, a puffy lavender coat over a sparkling lavender shirt. The evening’s intensity soared as she delivered emotionally charged performances of “Anti-Hero,” “Midnight Rain,” and “Vigilante Shit” with seductive chair choreography. The stage dazzled with the brilliance of “Bejeweled,” “Mastermind,” and “Karma,” concluding with a crescendo of fireworks that painted the night sky with a kaleidoscope of colors, mirroring the brilliance of Taylor’s musical journey.

As the final notes of the unforgettable performance resonated through the hearts of the audience, there was a collective sense that they had experienced something truly extraordinary. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour had woven a magical tapestry of music, memories, and emotions, uniting fans from different eras into a single harmonious symphony of love and devotion.