From Swirls to Sound waves: Griff Spins Us into a Dream

*Photographed by LJ Portnoy, Midwest coverage*

On September 24, 2024, at St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, MI, Griff and opener Stephen Dawes took the stage for a mesmerizing night of music as part of the Vertigo World Tour. This highly anticipated stop in the 18-date US and Canada run drew a passionate crowd, eager to witness Griff’s signature blend of heartfelt lyrics, swirling visuals, and handcrafted artistry before she embarks on her next adventure—opening for Sabrina Carpenter on the second leg of the Short ‘N Sweet tour.

A Night of Excitement & Swirls

The energy inside the historic 1,000-capacity venue was electric, with roughly 700 fans filling the space—a testament to Griff’s growing fanbase.

But this wasn’t just any ordinary concert crowd. Her devoted fans arrived adorned with her signature hand-drawn swirls—painted across wrists, clothing, and even faces—a touching tribute to the singer’s signature aesthetic. It was a visual symbol of unity and admiration, creating an intimate connection between Griff and her audience before she even stepped on stage.

A Sweet Start with Stephen Dawes

Opening the night was Stephen Dawes, a rising singer-songwriter with a delicate yet compelling presence. Initially, his nerves were visible—standing relatively still as he eased into his set. But as the night progressed, something shifted. He found his rhythm, gradually expanding his presence across the stage, embracing the moment with a newfound confidence. Watching him transform from cautious to commanding was a heartwarming experience, and by the end of his set, he had undoubtedly won over the room.

Griff’s Spellbinding Entrance

The moment Griff emerged to the hypnotic opening notes of “Vertigo”, the crowd erupted.

A wave of cheers, screams, and pure excitement filled the venue as she stepped into the spotlight, immediately captivating everyone in attendance.

True to her artistic spirit, Griff’s visuals were stunning—from the carefully curated lighting to the handmade outfits she designed and sewed herself. Her attention to detail isn’t just in her music but in every aspect of her performance, making the entire night feel uniquely personal.

A Setlist to Remember

Griff delivered a 17-song set, seamlessly weaving between soul-stirring ballads and high-energy anthems. In a special moment of spontaneity, she plucked two songs directly from the audience’s requests, adding an extra layer of intimacy to the show. And just when the night seemed to be winding down, she returned for a two-song encore, bringing the grand total to 19 tracks—a true gift to her fans.

The Future is Bright for Griff

Griff’s Detroit stop on the Vertigo Tour was more than just a concert—it was an immersive experience. From the carefully crafted visuals to her effortless stage presence, she proved why she’s among the most exciting rising stars in pop music today.

As she sets her sights on 2025 and beyond, one thing is certain: Griff isn’t just an artist to watch—she’s an artist to remember.

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