The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA — November 3, 2023

At the risk of sounding like a broken record in an echo chamber, if ever there was an ability to replicate the magnetism of old Hollywood or any of the greats, Stephen Sanchez found the way. 

To a completely sold-out show at The Wiltern, Stephen Sanchez spent the evening enchanting the crowd to legendary lengths. His latest album, Angel Face accomplishes a full narrative feat, telling the story of two characters, Troubadour and Evangeline. Stephen’s far-reaching and emotive voice enchanted the entire crowd to a degree I don’t think I’ve ever quite seen before. While his voice alone could stand as the ultimate conduit for submersion into a dreamy love-land from a different time, the magic didn’t stop there. Discovering the story of “Angel Face” was not only a walk through a sonic dreamscape but a visceral and visual experience. From the lights and stage set up to the most committed crowd I have seen in Los Angeles in a while, no one could argue that we had all stepped through a painting and back in time right along with Stephen and his bandmates. 

Playing recognizable hits like “Be More” and “Until I Found You,” Sanchez also played new songs like “High” and “Shake” next to classics from his earlier works like “Hey Girl.” To the absolute wild excitement of the crowd, he also played covers like “Pretty Woman” and his notable rendition of “Unchained Melody.” Take every chance you get to see Stephen Sanchez sing live and you will not be disappointed, and be sure to stream his newest album, Angel Face on all streaming platforms.

Words & Photography: Victoria Alexis