Alec Benjamin captivates fans at the Hollywood Palladium

It’s a beautiful evening at the famous Hollywood Palladium, where acoustic gem Alec Benjamin is performing live on the last stop of his 12 Notes tour. Reflecting on seeing him live five years ago at a Pandora event, not knowing much about him, to now photographing him at this show, was a special moment for me. Known for his vulnerability and genuine connection with fans, Alec is a true pop artist who began his career singing on the streets, much like major pop artists Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes. His lyrics are deeply personal, often opening up about his struggles with mental health and OCD.

As you enter the venue, the high balconies and chandeliers hanging above set the scene, with fans wearing a mix of Alec Benjamin merch and Los Angeles Dodgers gear. Excitement fills the room, not only for Alec but also for the Dodgers, who are in Game 2 of the World Series. Suddenly, the crowd erupts with cheers as news of a home run comes through, celebrating a Dodgers win.

As showtime nears, fans pack in tightly at the barricade, grinning in anticipation of seeing their favorite artist.

The stage is set to resemble a cozy bedroom, complete with a desk adorned with flowers and books, and a bed in the corner. As the lights dim, Alec takes the stage, sitting at the desk with microphone in hand. He opens with “I Sent My Therapist to Therapy” from his latest album 12 Notes, rapping and singing with perfect tone about seeking help with mental health struggles. Other songs from the album, including “Lead Me to Water,” “The Arsonist,” and “Pick Me,” followed in the opening half. Alec pauses to share with the audience how performing here feels like home and mentions the nerves of playing in front of his family, who are in attendance.

As the lights fade again, he sits on the bed to perform “Mind is a Prison,” the opening track from his 2020 album These Two Windows. Also performed from that album were “Must Have Been the Wind” and “Jesus in LA.” Next, Alec sits at the piano and introduces a fan favorite, “Paper Crown,” by creating trumpet sounds with his mouth. The song, about the aftermath of a failed relationship, has fans singing along passionately. He continues at the piano with songs like “Water Fountain” and “Boy in the Bubble,” the audience shouting from the rooftops with every lyric.

As the show draws to a close, he finishes with “12 Notes” and, finally, “Let Me Down Slowly,” one of his biggest hits that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Photography by Mikayla Ragovin

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