Ingrid Michaelson Intrigued Fans at Greek Theatre

Stephanie Hernandez

One of the many artists discovered during the hey-days of MySpace, Ingrid Michaelson has come a long way from uploading her tunes to her profile page. Her quirky sound has been charming listeners since her debut in 2005 with “Slow the Rain.” Her fourth and most recent release “Lights Out” has taken the singer on the road and Ingrid’s “A Summer Night Out” tour finally hit the Greek Theatre June 11.

Showing an interest in music early on, Ingrid began playing piano at the age of four, eventually turning to singing as a release. Ingrid spent three years at Manhattan’s Third Street Music School perfecting her vocals and even joined a co-ed a cappella group in college. Focusing on theater through her time at university, it took a friend hearing Michaelson singing her own songs between rehearsals that encouraged her to perform her original work live. This was the push she needed; Ingrid took to the stage and began posting her songs online. She gained attention rather quickly, with tracks from her sophomore record “Girls and Boys” getting picked up by major television shows like Grey’s Anatomy as well as huge commercial deals with companies like Old Navy. Her single “The Way I Am” became a smash hit, taking Ingrid from an indie artist to a household name overnight. Almost a decade later Ingrid is still doing things her way, something fans at her show at the Greek Theatre were glad to see. Michaelson took the stage to boisterous screaming, letting the first chords of “Time Machine” strengthen the cheering. The singer flowed right into “Everybody” and “Overboard,” the audience wanted Ingrid to know how dedicated they were to knowing each line. Mid way through her set Ingrid hit the crowd with her cult favorite “The Way I Am,” Michaelson tenderly plucked her ukulele and smiled as she sang with the crowd. Ending her 16-song set with her latest hit, “Girls Chase Boys,” it was clear Michaelson put her heart into creating the magic of the evening.

After a few minutes of anticipation, Ingrid and her band regrouped onstage for a three-song encore, which began with a cover of the Elvis Presley classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The sweet rendition of the song was followed up by “Fire” and rounded out by a cover of Icona Pop’s “I Love It.” The crowd went wild, in love with the quirky take on the electronic song. Ingrid ended the night on a high note, showing the fans that pop music can have substance as well as a healthy dose of carefree fun.

Ingrid Michaelson‘s A Summer Night Out hit the Greek Theatre on June 11.