Concert Review: Lawrence Delivers a One-of-a-Kind Celebration of Music and Movies In NYC
The lights of the Brooklyn Paramount were glowing as a line of fans grew with every passing second. Many, dressed in costumes from Lord Farquaad to Cat in the Hat, are waiting for the powerhouse duo Lawrence to take the stage in front of a completely sold-out crowd. Tonight marks the first of three nights in New York City, followed by three in Los Angeles. This six-show project, dubbed Staycation, finally came to fruition after endless preparation, with each night curated around its own theme, surprises, and a no-repeat setlist. The festival, first held in 2022, has evolved into a multi-day, bicoastal celebration, and tonight’s theme was Movie Night.
But first, if you’ve never heard their name before, let’s quickly get you up to speed. Siblings Gracie and Clyde Lawrence are the two incredible artists at the helm of Lawrence, alongside Marc Langer, Sumner Becker, Jordan Cohen, Jonny Koh, Sam Askin, and Michael Karsh, their six friends who round out their impressive instrumental ensemble. From New York, Lawrence has released four studio albums since forming, writing together on each project. Touring all across the globe, they have opened for the Rolling Stones, the Jonas Brothers, and Jacob Collier. They have brought their electric energy to legendary festival stages, including Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Outside Lands. In 2025, Lawrence took to Broadway to take part in Simon Rich’s comedy All Out.
In addition to their collective musical work, they have each carved out impressive paths of their own. Gracie has taken her talents to television, starring as a series regular in season three of The Sex Lives of College Girls. Then performed in Just in Time on Broadway in 2025, earning her a Tony nomination. Meanwhile, Clyde has made his mark as an accomplished composer for film and television, with credits including Animaniacs, Noelle, and The Jinx. Alongside bandmates Jordan Cohen and Jonny Koh, Clyde has also written and produced for acclaimed artists such as Shawn Mendes, Tori Kelly, and the Jonas Brothers. While their individual accomplishments speak for themselves, it’s when Gracie and Clyde come together that their musical chemistry truly shines. And tonight, Lawrence was ready to do what they do best, deliver a night of pure musical magic.
Priming the stage for the evening were talents Jon Lampley and aron!, starting with Jon. Opening alongside his four bandmates, he delivered a set that filled the air with a captivating blend of jazz, soul, and pop. Shining on songs like “Greener” and “Believe in Me,” he brought masterful sound and energy to the room. The ensemble’s reimagined version of the worldwide hit “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls sent the crowd into a nostalgic sing-along, while their cover of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was pure delight.
Picking up where Jon left off, aron! took the stage and impressed with his warm jazz tones and mellow textures. The band dressed in Santa-themed outfits, aron! played both a Telecaster and an acoustic guitar. Backed by Aiden on bass guitar and double bass and Ruby on drums, he delivered a set of lyrics he best described himself as “cozy goes with vulnerability.” Celebrating his debut album, Too Close for Running, released September 18, 2026, he showcased songs like “Not for A Lack of Trying” and “Wonderful Thing.” He then continued with favorites from his earlier EP, “cozy you” and “table for two.” His relaxed, charming stage presence held the room, complemented by the rich, vibrant sounds from Aiden and Ruby.
With the crowd warmed up, it was showtime. The multilevel stage shone in a blue hue as movie-themed props decorated the space. Gracie and Clyde, along with their band, appeared on a giant screen, embracing their inner Aussies as they hilariously spoofed AMC Theatres’ commercial featuring Nicole Kidman. To a crowd of cheering fans, Clyde and Gracie turned to the camera in the last frame and said, “You won’t just be entertained, you will be reborn.” After a pause, Gracie added, “Cause this is F*cking Movie Night!”
Lawrence took to the stage, with Clyde behind a Nord Stage 2 keyboard dressed as Marty McFly, Gracie as Sandy from Grease, and each band member in hilarious movie costumes. They ignited the night with “Probably Up,” “Hotel TV,” and “Family Business.” The crowd was completely enthralled; since no one knew what was coming, each song was truly a surprise. The evening was jam-packed with an epic selection of cinematic favorites, each given the exceptional Lawrence touch. They paid homage to timeless classics, including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Old Time Rock and Roll” from Risky Business, which featured appearances by the hilarious Paul Rudd and Jeff Ross. Jonathan Van Ness joined Gracie for “Miss United States” from the hit movie Miss Congeniality. Sprinkled throughout the set list were Lawrence’s own hits spanning their career, including “Superficial,” “23,” and “Jet Lag.”
From the upbeat moments to the beautifully quiet ones, the crowd’s excitement never faded. “The Weather” captured that contrast perfectly as Gracie and Clyde settled at the front of the stage, bringing everyone into a more intimate musical moment. Together, their harmonious voices danced around each other, complementing every note. Each brought something extraordinary to the performance. Gracie’s voice was expressive and regal, with refreshing pop and soulful undertones. Clyde’s voice was rich and soulful, with a beautiful rasp that made it all the more captivating.
Taking us to the worlds of Pixar and Disney, Lawrence performed “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story, “Kiss the Girl” with Jon Lampley, and “A Whole New World” featuring aron!. The entire room was swept up in the magic of Disney and Pixar.
In a show-stopping moment that blew the roof off the entire theater, Lawrence brought out Tony-winning Broadway star Shoshana Bean to perform alongside Gracie in a tribute to Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” The room was absolutely spellbound, myself included, by the sheer power and breathtaking beauty of their combined vocals.
The surprises continued as they welcomed Robbie Wulfsohn, front man of the band Ripe, dressed as Troy Bolton from High School Musical, to perform “Breaking Free,” setting the stage ablaze. With the crowd singing at the top of their lungs, the main set closed with “Don’t Lose Sight,” and the audience erupted in absolute cheer.
But if you thought that was the end, think again. Clyde and Gracie returned for an encore, kicking things off with “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman. Gracie’s vocal performance blew off whatever was left of the roof and sent chills down everyone’s spine. Then, for their final surprise, Lawrence switched into checkered vests and fired up the crowd one last time with the smash “School of Rock.” The stage was filled with all of the night’s special guests, their faces beaming with joy, as everyone at the Paramount sang and danced along right up to the final note.
From the joy radiating from the stage to the excitement throughout the crowd, every detail reflected a night thoughtfully crafted and overflowing with heart. Lawrence didn’t just deliver a concert; they created an experience filled with incredible music, genuine connection, and the kind of magic that stays with you long after the final note.
And the fun isn’t over yet! Lawrence is bringing Staycation to The Novo in Los Angeles, California, November 12–14 for three more nights packed with music, surprises, and plenty of unforgettable moments. If you have the chance, don’t miss it!
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