SHOW
REVIEW

MXMTOON BACK TO THE OBSERVATORY

BY: Alishia Stevens

On June 12, 2023, Mxmtoon announced a surprise show with Ricky Montgomery that would take place in Santa Ana the following month on July 18th. With the news breaking all over twitter and Instagram. Fans began virtually lining up to buy tickets for the show that would start both artists run of summer shows.

Mxmtoon last graced Santa Ana’s Observatory with her presence on May 5th, 2022. It was an exciting day! Why, you ask? Her sophomore album Rising - Album was released to the world! Touring an unreleased album, to me is impressive. Fans don’t know any of the lyrics besides previous releases of work. But one thing is for sure, fans will still show up for their fav and always bring the energy! 

I was fortunate enough to photograph her Observatory show last year and all I can say is that she brought the energy then! How was she going to be tonight? 

As I watched Maia’s performance, all I could take in was how much she had grown even more as an artist and performer! She shined bright! While also simultaneously making the show intimate, as if we were watching her jam in our home. 

The anticipation from the crowd was ecstatic. Ricky Montgomery was first to hit the stage, starting the night with full of songs that captivated the audience, including taking a selfie with a fans phone. 

After a short break it was finally time for Mxmtoon to take the Observatory stage! Starting with “Fever dream”, “Frown” and “Falling for U”. The energy was high! The fans were dancing to every word.

One thing to notice was Mxmtoon’s stage presence. As she walked back and forth between the left and right sides of the stage, she was very engaging with the audience. Cracking jokes, asking for their participation during certain songs, especially during the mini-acoustic set where it was just her and her ukulele, two ukuleles’ to be exact. One fan, wearing a Masquerade Tour shirt, was ecstatic every time she talked about them. 

As I looked around the venue, I took in the show, the setting, the feel of the atmosphere. Mxmtoon had created a safe space for everyone who entered the Observatory that night. 

Maia’s had a beautiful moment where she talked about her experience coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+. She didn’t know if she would find people or a community that would except her or find a safe space. Her shows were just that, but for others. She wanted everyone to feel safe no matter who or how they identified. They were her people, her community. They were safe to be themselves. This sentiment was met with cheers and applause.

During Almost Home, everyone’s phone was out, but not in the way you’re thinking. Fans illuminated the entire venue so beautifully with their phone’s flashlight. It was my favorite part of the night. A very wholesome moment, that always leaves me in awe no matter the location. 

As the night came to an end, I was so pleased to have been able to attend another Mxmtoon show. Being able to watch artists progression on a year-to-year basis is one of the best parts of the job. If I had to compare this year to last, Mia has grown. Grown as an artist, as a performer, as a musician and just an all-around amazing human being. I can’t wait to see what she does next!!! 

Make sure to check out her social media platforms @Mxmtoon. But most importantly check out her music on all steaming platforms!

MXMTOON PHOTOS HERE