Nubya Garcia Live at The Sinclair on 4/4
— April 4, 2025 —
The Sinclair in Cambridge was the perfect venue for a memorable evening as London-born saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia made a stop on her first headline tour in the U.S. The evening of April 4th kicked off with a great vibe in the air—perfect weather, the bustling energy of Cambridge on a Friday night, and a packed venue ready to experience some extraordinary sounds.
Before Nubya Garcia and her band took the spotlight, Montreal-based artist Magi Merlin set the stage with a captivating opening performance. Known for her genre-blending, experimental sound, Magi Merlin’s set was a rich mix of jazz, electronic, and soulful vibes that had the crowd engaged and in the right mood for the night ahead.
When Garcia and her band stepped on stage, the energy in the room shifted—anticipation filled the air. With her signature tenor sax in hand, Garcia was joined by a talented ensemble—a double bassist, drummer, and keyboardist—each bringing their own spark to the performance. Together, they explored the vast soundscape of Odyssey, Garcia’s latest album, which merges jazz, classical, R&B, and dub influences. On stage, the album's expansive sound came alive, as the band’s tight chemistry allowed every note to soar, and every improvisation to feel fresh.
Between songs, Garcia shared heartfelt words with the audience, reflecting on the challenges of the pandemic and the joy of returning to live music. She expressed deep gratitude for the connection that live performances bring, making the moment feel even more intimate.
A glimpse into The Sinclair on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The audience at The Sinclair was clearly in sync with Garcia and her band. The vibe was perfect for a Friday night, with the crowd fully engaged, enjoying the music and the connection between the performers. There was an undeniable sense of community in the room, as the music wrapped everyone in its embrace.
The highlight of the night came during the final track, “Triumphance.” As the song unfolded, Garcia remixed it on the spot, transforming it into a tribute to the Cambridge crowd. Her heartfelt words acknowledged the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the night, elevating the track into a powerful anthem of shared triumph. The saxophone riff was unbelievably beautiful, its rich sound resonating deeply with the audience. The crowd responded with an overwhelming standing ovation, their applause echoing the emotion in Garcia’s music.
The evening had a perfect vibe—intimate yet expansive—and felt like a moment of pure musical joy. Whether you were heading out to explore more of Cambridge or wrapping up a night in the city, Garcia’s performance was the perfect way to cap off the day. The night embodied the return of live music, with all the emotional highs and connections that make it so powerful.
Nubya Garcia’s first headline U.S. tour stop in Cambridge was a resounding success. With her stunning saxophone skills, dynamic compositions, and heartfelt connection with the crowd, she proved that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of contemporary jazz. If this show was any indication, the rest of her tour promises to be just as electrifying, and she is only just getting started.
REC REAL: I absolutely loved Nubya’s incredible saxophone talent and the amazing jazz vibes from the band—I have been craving a jazz concert for a while, so this was just perfect. The venue was great, though I did think it was a bit excessive that they charged $13 for a small 12oz Truly can, especially at a place like The Sinclair. For comparison, Roadrunner, which is generally a pricier venue, charges the same for a 16oz IPA, and I cannot help but wonder how much prices might rise in the future. The $40 ticket (before taxes and fees) also felt a bit steep, especially considering Nubya is a rising artist. That said, I would definitely love to see her perform again. She radiated such powerful, kind energy, which made the experience even more special and welcoming.
Listen to Nubya Grace here:
Listen to Magi Merlin here:
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