Megan Washington’s voice, supported by some wonderful musicians, is an excellent balm for inclement times. Her themes of troubled relationships offset by optimism and hopefulness reflect a wider aspect of the current state of the world. Her singing is mostly understated but when required she can powerfully bring forth emotions and feelings that complement the deeply emotional lyrics of her material. She was supported by excellent musicians featuring electric guitar and keyboards and a delightful string quartet.
Rain threatened Megan Washington’s outdoor Sydney Festival show and Omicron was a menacing deterrent but the audience that attended was well rewarded with a selection of new and old songs. The rain mostly held off and the venue, Speakers Corner, was not overcrowded and this allowed social distancing.

Washington opened the set with Insomnia, from her 2011 EP of the same name. This song has a very dreamy air to it which has a certain resonance to a song ostensibly about sleeplessness. Washington also performed Underground, from her first album, I Believe You Liar. Underground contains the darkness and light that appears in many of her songs. She talks about her funeral and how she wants her sister to bake a cake as she’ll write something funny on it. She featured four songs from her latest album, Batflowers, including Catherine Wheel. For this song guitar and keyboards were absent and she was accompanied by the string quartet in Paul Hankinson’s sublime arrangement.

Megan Washington’s banter with the crowd was funny and entertaining. She agreed with the audience that she is wonderful and complimented the crowd on being hardcore for not scurrying away during a brief rain shower.

WASHINGTON presents Insomnia was a thoroughly enjoyable show and reminds us of the performances we have missed out on over the last two years. Well done to the Sydney Festival and the people of Sydney for supporting the performance and artistic community.