Review: FLETCHER in San Diego - A Pride Month Experience

 

☆ BY SHELLSEA LOMELI ☆

Photos By Nicole McCready

 
 

HILLCREST HAS BEEN THE CENTER OF SAN DIEGO’S LGBTQ+ SCENE FOR DECADES -with lively gay bars that line University Avenue and on Tuesday night, the historic neighborhood was home to singer/songwriter FLETCHER’s special Pride Month experience, “Meet Her At The Bar.”  

FLETCHER selected Gossip Grill as one of the four stops on her pop-up tour where she is appearing and performing at culturally significant, women-owned queer bars across the country to raise funds for the establishment and create awareness about their scarcity.

As fans arrived at the intimate venue, they were offered decorated name tags, emphasizing the community-centered nature of the event. Pink drink menus scattered the tables with custom drinks like the “Dream Girl” - a buzzing tequila and grapefruit mix. Attendees raised their glasses and bonded by screaming Billie Eilish lyrics as they awaited the artist’s appearance. The crowd’s energy was infectious as they chanted “FLETCHER, FLETCHER” when the lights dimmed.

Anticipation filled the room as the 28-year-old artist took the stage in a bold, sparkling blazer - pant combo and greeted the crowd with an adoring smile. There was an undeniable, mutual love between her and her fans, noticeable the moment she began to speak.

“This night is all about raising money for the bar,” FLETCHER removed the spotlight from herself before beginning the performance. “So far, we’ve already raised fifty-five thousand dollars,” she announced. The news earned an eruption of applause from fans and Gossip Grill staff alike. 

She began with “girls girls girls”, a fan favorite that adds an empowering twist to Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl”. With limited accompaniment, she transformed her rousing pop tracks into lively acoustic tunes, adding to the already personal feel of the night. Occasionally at shows, a barrier - physical or invisible - can be sensed between the performer and the crowd. At Gossip Grill, that divide was nonexistent. FLETCHER’s vibrance and playfulness carried through the entire event and it was clear she was not simply performing for her fans, but rather sharing intentional space and joy with them.

“Cherry” powered the crowd as they jumped and danced, singing along to flirty lyrics like “You’re across from me / And it’s hard to breathe” and “You’re such a dream”. 

In between songs, FLETCHER held a raffle with prizes like selfie opportunities, boob signing, and concert tickets for her next tour. All proceeds from the purchased tickets, as well as her meet and greet that followed the show, were given directly to the hosting bar. 

While on stage, FLETCHER shared her most recent song, “her body is bible”. She explained the inspiration behind it - navigating self-acceptance with her sexuality despite her religious upbringing. The song had yet to be released at the time of the performance, yet the majority of the crowd seemed to have already mastered the tune, singing the lyrics loud and proud. “I can’t believe this song isn’t even out yet and you guys know the words,” FLETCHER expressed on social media the next day. 

She concluded the night with her stirring track “Bitter”, which has racked up over 100 million streams on Spotify alone. 

Throughout the night, FLETCHER emphasized her intention to create a safe space for everyone to be their authentic selves. Based on the infectious sensation of love, community, and celebration that gripped the air, it was clear that the beloved singer-songwriter accomplished that and more, all while also showcasing her seemingly effortless vocal talent with every song. 

FLETCHER’s debut album GIRL OF MY DREAMS is set to release on September 16th, 2022, and tickets for her upcoming North American tour are available now.

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