Yung Gravy: The Grits and Gravy Tour at The Anthem in Washington D.C.

Grits and Gravy at The Anthem in DC

Washington, DC – November 22, 2024

Written and Photographed by Caden Forrester (@flicksby4ster)

Carter Vail

First opening for Yung Gravy was Carter Vail, an indie rock artist who came to prevalence after his short-form songs took off on TikTok and other social media. His viral hit “Dirt Man,” propelled a comedic singer into stardom. Quickly he took hold of this opportunity, continuing to create comedic songs, but also committing firmly to his serious role in the music industry. Having released full-length albums in 2020, 2023, and 2024 he had all the tools at his disposal to commit to this.

I had no idea who Carter Vail was before this show, but he turned me into a fan. When I’m photographing an artist, especially one I don’t know I tend to tune out the music. But this was a unique case. While I was shooting I began to realize Vail’s music was fun, poppy, and engaging.

Similar to his music; the band featured on stage was energetic. The audience could clearly tell all members enjoyed what they were performing, which always makes a show more fun. Charismatic as ever, Carter Vail put on an amazing show and I’ll be adding much of his music to my personal playlist. I encourage you to do the same!

Tobi Lou

Tobi Lou was next, rushing on stage with incredible energy and his signature buff baby backpack. As soon as he was in front of me he began singing, with the support of his DJ. Waking left and right across stage, he made sure to see all the fans. Several times in fact he’d walk off the stage and onto the speakers to get closer to the audience.

He was a great performer and you could tell he was having fun too. From my perspective the show went by so fast, I wanted more. His music was engaging and he did an incredible job warming up and engaging the audience.

YUNG GRAVY

DJ Tiiiiiiiiiip

When Yung Gravy’s set time began to come around, his supporting DJ came out. Taylor Madrigal AKA DJ Tiiiiiiiiiip began playing some hit pop songs. He began throwing out snacks to audience members with “Party in the USA,’’ playing. First, it was mini muffins, then it was a whole box of baked goods. He went back to his booth and began to play a remix of the classic WII theme. He warmed up the crowd for Yung Gravy who shortly came out.

With DJ announcing Gravy’s presence the crowd erupted in cheering. As Gravy slowly walked out from behind the curtain, he did a spin to show off his outfit. Dressed head to toe in designer clothes, from Prada sunglasses to a fur jacket he immediately took command of the stage.

Opening with arguably his biggest hit song “Oops!,” the crowd roared his lyrics back to him. As Gravy pranced up and down the stage several times he pointed the mic out to the crowd at key points in the song. At one point accidentally ringing back some loud feedback, but it was quickly overlooked by his performance. DJ came out from behind his booth with his mic and along with Gravy began singing “Oops, there it is.”

Just as Gravy walked up and down the stage jumping with his hands up he also had some more intimate moments with the crowd.

“How many of y’all have been to a show before, its been a while since I’ve been to DC because uh officially “The Boys Are Back in Town.” The second song of his show.

Several times he leaned down and sang directly to certain audience members who were along the barricade. He also made sure to engage with members of the audience who weren’t directly in front of him, telling the crowd multiple times to put their hands up and sing.

After a few songs he had a “Water Break,” this wasn’t just for a certain person, or something made up on the spot, however. It was written down in the setlist to have a water break at this time. He began tossing water bottles into the crowd along with security and DJ while singing “Ms. Gravystone.” As “Cheryl,” began playing him and several other crew members sprayed the audience with water.

It was amazing to see how strong of a grip Gravy had on the audience. The crowd was moving, participating, and singing non-stop. Gravy’s stage presence spoke for itself, walking up and down stage constantly engaging with the whole crowd. At one point taking a fan’s phone and recording himself from on stage, leaving them with an unforgettable memory.

Overall the show was amazing, the openers did an incredible job warming up the crowd for Gravy. Gravy truly brought all the energy building up throughout the opening acts.