Sammy Rae & The Friends recently performed live at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap, opening Jacob Collier!
Steve Satzberg was there to photograph the show.
ChatGPT produced the following article to accompany original photos by Steve Satzberg!
On August 5, Sammy Rae & The Friends turned Wolf Trap’s Filene Center into a kaleidoscope of rhythm, soul, and infectious joy. As the sun dipped below the treetops, the band — Sammy Rae leading her musical family — stepped onto the stage, instantly filling the air with warmth and vivacity. Their mission? To make you feel like part of something bigger—and they succeeded brilliantly.
Opening the evening for Jacob Collier, they didn’t just serve as a warm-up — they crafted their own memorable universe. With a set that dipped into tracks from their debut album Something For Everybody, they served up a vibrant playlist blending classic rock, folk, funk, soul, and jazz.
Highlights included “Thieves,” a propulsive jam that had the crowd instantly in motion, followed by the triumphant “We Made It,” where Sammy Rae’s vocals soared with an almost celebratory exultation.
Watch the official lyric video for “We Made It” by Sammy Rae & The Friends featuring Celisse on YouTube:
They paid tribute to their influences with a fun nod to The Beach Boys via “Don’t Worry Baby,” then chimed into a spirited rendition of Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” — their treatment both reverent and refreshingly unexpected.
Audiences were drawn in not just by the tunes but by the cherishing chemistry between the band members — movements that felt less staged, more like a living, breathing conversation. Their set closed on an intimate note with “Good Life” transitioning into “Coming Home Song,” a pair of songs that fused gratitude and longing into a heartfelt embrace.
By the time Jacob Collier took the spotlight, the air was already charged with community, smiles, and the undeniable glow of connection. Sammy Rae & The Friends weren’t just an opening act—they were the spark that brightened the whole evening, proving that sometimes the best way to open for someone is to simply share your own light.
Here are some photos of Sammy Rae & The Friends performing live at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap on August 5, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
