This Sunday evening, I was invited to attend a special performance from Rachael Sage & Friends at PizzaExpress Live. Launching her ‘Under My Canopy’ tour, which previews material from the upcoming acoustic reimagining of her 2025 album Canopy, the evening was filled with magic, warmth, and folk-inspired brilliance, while also serving as a heartfelt celebration of LGBTQIA+ voices and her partnership with UK charity Rainbow Mind.
For those unfamiliar with PizzaExpress Live shows, the venue offers the perfect blend of intimate live music and the relaxed atmosphere the restaurant is known for – complete with Italian food and drinks while talented performers and songwriters take to the stage. On a Sunday evening, it’s hard to ask for much more, and Sage certainly exceeded expectations.
Joined by her cellist and violinist, The Sequins emerged on stage in, you guessed it, glittering sparkles and sequins, perfectly complementing Sage’s creative energy and natural stage presence. Seated at her keyboard with her hair wrapped in a multi-coloured flower crown, Sage immediately began to captivate the room. Her whimsical melodies and timeless songwriting radiated warmth, inviting the audience into her world like a gentle embrace.
A skilled multi-instrumentalist, Sage moved effortlessly between keyboard and acoustic guitar, highlighting the versatility of her genre-blending sound – from delicate acoustic folk to sweeping piano-led pop. Comparisons to legendary songwriters such as Elton John felt well deserved throughout the set, particularly during some of her most melodic material to date. Tracks including ‘Rebecca’, ‘Canopy’, ‘Live It Up’, and older favourites such as ‘Deepest Dark’ stood out as uplifting moments, showcasing her playful storytelling and emotional sincerity.
Sage also welcomed several guests to the stage, further immersing the audience in her colourful musical world. Singer-songwriter Marta added beautiful harmonies, while award-winning producer and film composer Barb Morrison – who has alongside the likes of Deborah Harry – brought an extra layer of richness to the evening. Rather than feeling like a conventional performance, the show unfolded more like an intimate musical conversation, with playful stage banter and audience participation keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging throughout.
Each song played out like a whimsical fairytale, enhanced by interactive moments including a cappella clapping sections and enthusiastic sing-alongs. While the overall mood remained joyful and improvisational, more emotional performances – including tracks such as ‘Nexus’ – reflected the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. These themes have clearly shaped much of Canopy, as well as Sage’s work as an ambassador for Rainbow Mind, a cause she passionately championed throughout the evening in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week. Her compassion and sincerity made the performance feel all the more meaningful.
Overall, Rachael Sage & Friends delivered an evening that felt both deeply personal and joyfully communal – a celebration of the music that has shaped her.
As the ‘Under My Canopy’ tour begins, this performance proved that Sage’s music is at its most powerful when shared live: heartfelt, theatrical, and impossible to leave without a smile.
