Valerie June took to the stage at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts on June 20 for a performance that left many attendees visibly moved. Opening with the hauntingly beautiful “Astral Plane,” her voice carried an emotional intensity that drew tears from the audience. One moment during the song prompted a quiet hush, followed by a wave of applause so strong that June herself wiped away tears—an intimate exchange of vulnerability and connection between artist and listeners.
Despite arriving under vocal strain and advised to rest her voice, June delivered a deeply affecting thirty-minute set promoting her new album Owls, Omens and Oracles. She shared in a brief pre-show interview that she views music as a catalyst for positive change, inspired by the emotional depth of artists like Nina Simone and Tom Waits. Her conviction shone through during performances of “Endless Tree” and a soulful cover of Lightnin’ Hopkins’ “Life I Used to Live,” which showcased her ability to blend bluegrass, soul, and indie rock into a powerful, healing experience.
June’s setlist included sixteen songs, reflecting both new material and fan favorites. Notably, the performance of “Astral Plane” stood out as a show of raw emotion. According to SFGate, June’s rendition featured soaring, Simone-like vocal lines that transformed the atmosphere and prompted an audience member to cry. The moment culminated with a stagehand offering Kleenex—a poignant, shared gesture that underscored the emotional intensity of the moment.
In conversation before the concert, June emphasized the role of art in creating momentum for positive change. She explained that while messages of love and evolution may sound idealistic, their value lies in action—evolving beyond mere sentiment into tangible impact. She also spoke of feeling energized by performances in the Bay Area, especially at outdoor events like Hardly Strictly, drawing creative inspiration from the natural surroundings.
The intimate acoustics of the Palace of Fine Arts perfectly amplified June’s soulful storytelling. Her voice, marked by both fragility and strength, reflected deep confidence and emotional maturity. Despite earlier vocal rest warnings, she navigated the evening with precision and emotional clarity, drawing on her commitment to creating music that heals and uplifts.
June’s new album Owls, Omens and Oracles, released April 11, reflects this ethos of resilience and joy. Aiming to inspire listeners to find energy and hope in dark times, the album channels her blend of folk, soul, and spiritual reflection—an approach that resonated strongly during her live performance.
The evening demonstrated that June’s artistry goes beyond genre—her music becomes a shared experience of healing and reflection. As the finale drew to a close and the crowd dispersed into the night, lingering emotions spoke to the transformative power of her performance.
Valerie June’s San Francisco concert reaffirmed her status as a compelling performer who connects heart and soul. With healing, authenticity, and creative passion at the core of her work, she left both the stage and the audience transformed—offering a powerful reminder of music’s ability to unite, comfort, and inspire.