Fin for The Marías' 'Cinema' Tour

María of The Marías performing at The Novo, LA by Jacob Alvarez and edited by Paige Strickland

FINAL SHOW OF SOLD OUT TOUR ENDED AT HOME

Back in July of 2021, I got to witness The Marías perform tracks off their debut LP CINEMA for the first time at The Ford Theatre in LA. It was nice to see them test the waters, utilizing a small orchestra with a horn player. A few months prior to that, I befriended guitarist Jesse Perlman at his record shop, Supervinyl, in Hollywood and anticipated the album. Also in the mix, I was trusted to create limited edition figurines for the band members to celebrate the release and interviewed founding members María and Josh Conway for Alternative Press Magazine. Needless to say, this band is dear to my heart, so to witness their first time debuting new tracks to concluding their sold out tour in LA was apt.

This was truly a homecoming in every sense of the word, as I met up with one of my best friends, Jaycob Luque, who was hired to create the lightning design for the tour. It was nice to catch up and it was amazing to head backstage where tour posters of classic concerts held the walls. Across from the band’s dressing room stood a 2007 Daft Punk LA Sports Arena show poster, along with one for Yo La Tengo. Luque introduced me to most of The Marías’ team, most of which I had previously emailed or spoke to via phone but had never met in person. Everyone was so generous and excited to be there and it just felt lovely to be considered a small part of it.

We watched opener Maye perform from backstage, playing tracks like “My Love” and “Tú”, the latter of which being the reason María came across her music in the beginning. To see every inch of space be filled by a fan dancing in the pit as well as every seat in the balcony prefaced what was to come for the final act.

Josh Conway’s father introducing the band at The Novo, LA by Jacob Alvarez and edited by Paige Strickland

I took my place in the photo pit and watched the stagehands get ready for the show, removing the veil for the arch that has now become a staple for the band’s live shows. The lights fell dark, and the audience screamed as Josh Conway’s father took to the stage. With a single spotlight, he described how lucky he was to be witnessing the finale of the tour and how welcoming it felt to be in their home town of Los Angeles. He thanked the fans for attending and introduced the band to the stage. CINEMA’s opening track “Just A Feeling” played as the stage now filled with red lights. Each band member took their position and as the track came to a close, the lighting quickly switched up as they began to perform follow-up song “Calling U Back.”

María danced and swayed to most tracks, letting out a small laugh after each song as she oozed with enthusiasm and appreciation for getting to perform on a sold out tour. Her smile was infectious; just to see how much fun everyone was having, that’s how live music should be. Fan favorites “Only In My Dreams” and “Over The Moon” were played to perfection, and after talking with the band in the past about musical influences like Tame Impala and Radiohead, I could definitely hear the appreciation.

María of The Marías performing at The Novo, LA by Jacob Alvarez and edited by Paige Strickland

After about 17 songs including a cover of one of María’s inspirations, Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time”, the band thanked the fans and headed offstage. Of course, the night wasn't over yet, as María entered the stage through the arch’s curtains, wearing a black top with red dress skirt that reminded me of a folklorico style of clothing. Before finishing their set, the band took the time to single out most of their crew who helped shape the tour into the success it was, from manager Gonzo Lubel to the lighting operator Natalie. This sincere thank you was greeted with many rounds of applause right as the band broke out into hit “Hush.” Ending track “Cariño” allowed the band to let loose, with Perlman, keyboardist Edward James, and Conway losing it on their respective instruments. The passion in their hearts were reflected in their eyes and seen in the images I tried to capture.

María of The Marías performing at The Novo, LA by Jacob Alvarez and edited by Paige Strickland

Once finished, I was allowed backstage once more with Luque, his girlfriend Sarah, little sister Alexa, and my partner Paige. The band was finishing offloading the stage and it was super cool and a bit overwhelming to have Perlman and James give me a hug as they left stage. I congratulated everyone on a great, badass performance to end the tour. We stuck around the afterparty for a bit, seeing the likes of Cuco, Sabrina Claudio, and Gabriette mingle with the band and friends. I rarely get to see this side of music, so I was immensely grateful for Luque, the band, and everyone involved who made it happen. Luque and myself talked about how we both saw The Marías open for The Drums back in 2018. At the time, the show was at The Glasshouse in Pomona and my partner and I hadn't known each other that long. The band had two EPs out and I believe I took the flyer with the set times from that night. I purchased my first merch shirt from them too. A few years later with custom figurines, an interview for a magazine, and two unique shows (one of which being the last of the tour), along with Luque fully working for the tour and getting to befriend everyone, it really seems like we both have grown into doing what we love. And the benefits have presented themselves in ways unimaginable to us in 2018. I will forever be grateful for this band and everything they have allowed me to do with them. To be even 2% part of the CINEMA story is an accomplishment I hold to the highest degree. But don’t worry. The band will be back for a string of festival dates as well as an opening act for Halsey’s upcoming tour! I recommend getting tickets now.

Thank you to The Marías, forever.

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!