Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert

You know it’s going to be a good night when a show has to move venues just to fit everyone, and sells out again the day new tickets go live. And that’s exactly what happened in Columbus, OH when Sombr hit town on October 3. The excitement in the air was undeniable long before the first note hit.

Opening the night was Devon Gabriella, marking her first time performing in Columbus. She connected instantly with the crowd, her genuine energy and down-to-earth stage presence winning over fans right away. Early in her set, she shared, “I hope to come back,” which earned cheers from the audience. Throughout the set fans would wave at her with excitement and she always made a point to wave back. Creating this sweet loop of connection that only deepened as her set went on. The crowd even lit up the room with their phone flashlights during her third song, a beautiful moment of shared energy. Gabriela also treated the audience to a brand-new unreleased track and then later surprised everyone with a stunning cover of Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather.” By the end of her set, she’d fully warmed up the room for what was about to be a standout night.

When Sombr took the stage, the energy instantly exploded. The crowd erupted as if greeting an old friend, nearly every voice shouting along to every lyric. His stage setup was intricate and full of character; part talk show, part backstage dressing room, with tiny details that made the scene feel lived in: a Bob Dylan book, a wine bottle, a small potted plant, and more. As the show began, a crew member stepped forward with a clapperboard marked “Sombr, Scene 1, Take 1,” officially kicking off the night in perfect cinematic fashion. Throughout the set, Sombr leaned into the talk show concept, blending playful banter with heartfelt moments that gave the show its own unique rhythm.

His voice live is rich and expressive, carrying both power and warmth. Sombr’s ability to connect through lyrics and personality made the night feel deeply personal, as if everyone in the room was part of the story he was telling. “I’ve always wanted to be a stand-up comedian and a lyricist,” he joked at one point, and the mix of humor and honesty throughout the night made it easy to believe him.

The show was filled with unforgettable highlights. During “Caroline,” the crowd lit up the venue with flashlights, swaying and singing in unison, a tender, cinematic moment that glowed under the stage lights. Later in the night, fans screamed and jumped through upbeat songs, their energy matching his at every turn. A mid-show jam session gave his talented band their moment to shine, showcasing just how tight and skilled the group truly is.

One of the most talked-about moments of the night came when Sombr invited three fans onstage for a hilarious interactive segment where they called their exes live and Sombr would ask questions to try to see who was the problem in the relationship. All three exes answered the call, and the room erupted in laughter as one quickly hung up while another admitted they could’ve been a better communicator. It was chaotic, funny, and the perfect snapshot of how Sombr blends humor with heart to keep his shows unpredictable and fun.

The night was full of gratitude and love. Between songs, Sombr thanked fans for being there and later said, “Thank you for loving me and choosing me.” The emotion was visible, especially during “12 to 12,” when lighting from the disco ball bounced around the room, creating a stunning, surreal atmosphere. And for “Back to Friends,” his unique mic stand setup made the performance feel like its own art piece.

As the crowd filtered out, a group of fans gathered behind the venue, waiting just in case. A few minutes later, Sombr appeared on the back fire escape. With one of his band members joining in on guitar, they treated fans to a surprise jam session under the night sky. Everyone sang along, voices raw but full of joy, as if the night just couldn’t end yet. It was one of those moments that remind you why fans connect with him so deeply, because Sombr gives as much love back as he receives.

Sombr’s tour continues through the rest of October and into early November, with several venues also upgraded due to overwhelming demand. Fans can find all the tour dates and ticket information at sombrmusic.com.

photo by Antonina Schubert