CHAI and JENNY123 teach Sett-goers the intergalactic groove, preach “Neo-Kawaii” philosophy
Stepping into Union South on Friday night was a one-way ticket into an intergalactic universe where an assortment of astronauts, ravens and an extravagantly pink quartet pranced around. On Oct. 7, CHAI and JENNY123 enchanted the Sett stage, delivering one of the most unforgettable shows I’ve had the privilege of seeing to a small, blessed audience.
As soon as the six member band stepped out onto the stage, I knew that JENNY123 was going to take us to space – both literally and figuratively. An outstanding show begins with intriguing costumes, and JENNY123 gave a whole new meaning to the word intriguing. Six individuals graced the stage: two dressed as astronauts, one as a raven and three draped in normal bandwear.
The two astronauts, dubbed on Bandcamp as Mick Mansions and PT Cruiser, conceived funk pop duo JENNY123, who are based in Madison. JENNY123 is a relatively new band that just released their first album “LOST IN SPACE” last year in March 2021. The cosmonauts, accompanied by the raven and the rest of the band, performed songs from “LOST IN SPACE” over the course of the night. The band claims the album was based on “extensive intergalactic groove research,” and I believe it wholeheartedly.
JENNY123 began the show by requesting an obliging audience to fill the dance floor in front of the stage. This gave an eager crowd a chance at closer interaction with band members and allowed for ample space to dance and sway throughout the night. JENNY123 began the night playing songs like “YEAR OF THE SNAKE” and “nobody f*cking loves me,” which I find myself still listening to a week after the show.
Frontmen Mick and PT rotated singing and drumming, and were both astonishingly talented singers. This rotation emphasized their contrasting voices, personalities and songs which only strengthened an already exquisite setlist. They almost felt like two distinct bands opening, and I enjoyed both an equal amount.
Devon Pierret, saxophonist and “The Raven,” rocked my favorite outfit of the night. Donning a full bird suit while masterfully minding his saxophone, Pierret’s experience performing as “The Raven” was evident. If I could play the saxophone magnificently, I too would rock a raven suit on stage just for kicks.
An appreciative audience fervently danced with JENNY123 all night long, and looking through all the photos I took confirmed every musician on stage was incredibly passionate and committed to their instruments. It’s awesome to see such a love for music, both on stage and in the audience. Spotify says Jenny123 has 83 monthly listeners, and I can ensure that their 84th is right here!
Finishing their set with a dance off between band members, JENNY123 flung and thrusted around the Sett’s stage – with lead singer Mick even getting down on his knees to do pushups and mountain climbers in front of a laughing audience. All night long, JENNY123’s energy was electric and extremely contagious. The audience managed to have an incredible Friday night despite not knowing the words to any of JENNY123’s songs.
JENNY123 didn’t go too far, for twenty minutes into the next set I looked to my left and saw the band dancing and whooping directly next to me. They were among the most excited members of the audience – even after their draining performance, and it was adorable to witness. JENNY123 left me wondering what band could possibly top the cosmonauts, but I quickly learned that the band most individuals had come to see that night would blow me away too.
CHAI, a Japanese pop band from Nagoya, were a sight to behold. Four matching pink and white ruffled chaps, four intricate quilted fabric tops and four women in full face masks with cat ears swished and swayed in sync in front of a (entranced) mesmerized audience.
After JENNY123’s remarkable performance I, along with much of the audience, didn’t think the night could get any better. We were quickly and delightedly proven incredibly wrong.
A rule of thumb I like to follow: always go to a Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) production. You truly never know when the next Megan Thee Stallion or Chance the Rapper will be performing at the Sett in front of only you and a tiny crowd — yes, WUD booked both Megan and Chance!
