Seeing Alanis Morissette in Concert

By Ilana Rapp

originally published: 07/03/2024

Photo by Lisa Lewis

I've been wanting to see Alanis Morissette in concert for YEARS. Having been a fan of her music since the beginning, every time she stopped in New Jersey, I had a conflict. Except one time, where I actually had tickets but there was a huge thunderstorm so the event was cancelled.

That being said, I couldn’t think of a better place to see Alanis’ Triple Moon tour other than the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in… Camden, NJ! Right?

Well, the two hour drive each way was worth it.

Special guests were Morgan Wade and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. They did a great job, as expected, but we’re here to talk about Alanis!

Oh? You want to see Alanis Morissette’s setlist before I discuss it?

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As Alanis opened up with the songs Hand in My Pocket and Right Through You, the background flashed with facts relating to gender equality, sexual harassment and trauma brought to girls and women. Is Alanis herself broken? Is her way of expressing pain through her music? Hmmm… (Those are obviously rhetorical questions.)

Trivia: If anyone knows why the concert is called The Triple Moon Tour, please comment below!

A Journey Through Time

Let’s get one thing straight -- seeing Alanis Morissette in concert is not just a musical experience; it's a journey through time, emotions, and a celebration of an artist whose work has profoundly impacted many lives. Pictures of Alanis’ previous concerts from all over the world flashed before our eyes. Kudos to the production team for flawlessly putting the slide show together.

The Atmosphere

Excitement buzzed through the atmosphere long before Alanis took the stage. There was a diverse crowd, spanning different generations and backgrounds. I saw just as many males as females. From loyal fans who grew up with her iconic '90s album Jagged Little Pill to newcomers just discovering her music, everyone came together in unity. The arena was alive with a collective energy.

Photo by Lisa Lewis

The Setlist

Alanis curated a diverse setlist that included both her chart-topping favorites and more obscure tunes, appealing to a wide range of fans. Starting off with the energetic Hand in My Pocket, she set the stage for an electrifying night. The crowd joyously sang along to every word of You Oughta Know, blending their voices seamlessly with Alanis's heartfelt vocals. The intense emotion of Uninvited and Mary Jane highlighted her exceptional vocal range and her talent for forging intimate connections with the audience.

Midway through the concert, Alanis and her musicians exited the stage and made their way to the middle of the arena which had a smaller setup of drums, piano and guitar... and an electric fan to keep the air circulating. It was on that platform, wedged between concert goers, that Alanis sang acapella (as well as with instrumental accompaniment.) And it was incredible.

The Performance

Alanis Morissette's performance on stage is truly mesmerizing. She exudes a perfect balance of self-assurance and raw emotion, effortlessly taking control of the stage. Her vocals remain as strong and expressive as ever, resonating throughout the venue and captivating the crowd. With each song, she delivers a passionate intensity that showcases her deep emotional connection to the music.

Alanis also made great use of her arms, hands and fingers, creating different gestures to keep the audience engaged. Did I mention the SPIN? No? Well, take note because it's in there! I wasn't able to capture her New Jersey spin, but if you want to see what I'm talking about, take a look at her spin at the PNC Music Pavillion in Charlotte. Uh huh. Exactly!

The band accompanying her was equally impressive, providing a dynamic and robust backdrop to Alanis's vocals. The chemistry between the musicians was evident, adding an extra layer of energy to the performance.

Photo by Lisa Lewis

The Highlights

I must mention that throughout the performance, Alanis broke out a harmonica! The audience was blown away immediately since she played it in the opener Hand in My Pocket.

Alanis also brought up a girl named Frankie to sing part of a song with her! I don’t know who Frankie is, so if you have any insight, please leave in the comments.

The final performance ended with a heartfelt rendition of Thank U, a song that expresses gratitude and growth, leaving the audience with a sense of fulfillment and contentment. The lingering notes at the end highlighted the transformative power of music in touching people's hearts.

Fans left with full hearts and unforgettable memories, reminded of the power of music to unite and inspire. For everyone present, it was an evening that affirmed why Alanis remains a beloved and influential artist.

About the author:

Ilana Rapp is a media-savvy Generation Xer with instinctive wit, quick humor and a taste for deep human emotions. As a former (child) actress with Broadway, film and television credits, she is adept at, well, lots of things. She blogged on The Huffington Post and writes entertainment pieces for New Jersey Stage, Casting Networks, Casting Frontier, GRAMMY.com, New Jersey Digest, NYCastings and Mupo Entertainment. She is a huge fan of the television show V. Ask her why her favorite number is 22. Follow Ilana on Twitter @IlanaSpeaks22

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