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Laura Jane Grace & The Mississippi Medicals Deliver an Unforgettable Night at Crescent Ballroom
April 10, 2025 • by Phyoe Thaung
Phoenix’s queer and punk communities packed into Crescent Ballroom on Wednesday night as Laura Jane Grace and the Mississippi Medicals brought their headlining tour to the iconic venue. Joined by Alex Lahey, the evening radiated pure celebration, anchored by two powerhouse performances.​
Australian singer-songwriter Alex Lahey, already a Valley favorite, received an ecstatic welcome from fans who eagerly sang along to every track. Powering through high-energy cuts like "I Love You Like a Brother" and "Perth Traumatic Stress Disorder", Lahey paused midway to reflect on the vital role of live music, safe spaces, and community — all of which were palpably alive in the room. Her set was a burst of serotonin, with the entire band visibly feeding off the audience’s energy. By the time she wrapped, the crowd carried that same enthusiasm to the merch tables for post-show hangs.​
Laura Jane Grace’s latest musical chapter, fronting the Mississippi Medicals, feels less like a rebrand and more like a celebration of punk’s enduring spirit. Combining solo work with Against Me! staples, the night’s setlist offered something for every era of Grace’s expansive career. The Mississippi Medicals lineup — featuring Grace’s wife Paris Campbell Grace on vocals, Matt Patton of Drive-By Truckers on guitar, and Mikey Erg of The Ergs on drums — brought a seasoned, raucous energy that elevated every track. ​True to form, Grace was unapologetically brash and joyfully authentic onstage, curating a set that hit every emotional note. "True Trans Soul Rebel" transformed the floor into a dance pit, while "I’m Not a Cop" sparked laughter and a mini-mosh among the crowd. Fans shouted along to anthems like "I Was a Teenage Anarchist" and "Give Up the Ghost", refusing to let the night end quietly.
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After a fiery four-song encore, the audience lingered long after the final note, reluctant to leave, buzzing with the kind of euphoria that only comes from nights that feel bigger than the music itself.
