Gigi Perez Brings Comfort and Healing to Connecticut during her Headlining Tour
- GRRRL Music
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre | Wallingford, Connecticut
Photos & Words By: Angelica Whitney | Instagram
On June 25, 2026, a crowd of over 1,500 fans in flowing skirts and sailor hats funnels into the wooden dome-shaped venue, excited to see singer-songwriter Gigi Perez on her summer headlining tour, Gigi Perez Live!. Gigi last performed in Connecticut in 2024 while opening for girl in red, so the crowd is thrilled to have her back in the state headlining her own show at The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT.
The merchandise line wraps around the circular room, with many fans already searching for a shirt or bag to remember the night. Part of the crowd had already claimed their spots at the barricade before the doors even opened (where they had enjoyed a soundcheck VIP experience with Gigi). Others choose to relax on the floor further away from the stage to cool down from the heat outside. A large white lighthouse prop is already set up on stage in reference to the singer’s debut album, At The Beach, In Every Life, which Gigi created after the loss of her younger sister.
The venue plunges into darkness when opener Sam Worley steps onto the stage for his set. The fans are thrilled to support him the entire time, matching his energy and even singing along to songs like “Lucid” and “Bath Water.” Sam grew up in Massachusetts, so performing at a New England show is like being home for him. His indie and alt-rock music perfectly sets the mood for the rest of the show.
In between the opening and headlining sets, fans take a brief break to chat, check out the merch (if they hadn’t already), and get ready to pour their heart out during the show. As the main lights disappear again and the stage lights and screen begin to glow, cheers of excitement and anticipation rise from the crowd. Each band member takes their place on the stage during a beautiful string instrumental, before Gigi Perez herself strides onto the stage, guitar in hand.
Gigi’s set begins with many tracks off of At The Beach, In Every Life, including “Please Be Rude,” “Fable,” and the title track from the record. Fans hold each other as tears glisten like stars in their eyes, with each word sung and melody played touching their hearts. Even with her vulnerable lyrics, the singer keeps the energy high while playing guitar and jumping around with her band on stage.
The crowd’s connection with Gigi is strong. She shares the stories behind some of her tracks, such as “Crown” and “Sometimes (Backwood),” and how she finds healing from love and loss through her lyrics. Fans connect with each song even more now that they understand the meanings. Gigi even does a “barricade walk” to sing with them, seeing their flags, signs, and outfits up close.
A Gigi Perez concert isn’t a Gigi Perez concert without some surprises. The artist brings out opener Sam Worley to perform “Vertigo,” a song they wrote together during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also welcomes her sister, Bella Perez, to the stage to perform a duet of “Sugar Water,” sharing their yearning for childhood innocence with the crowd of many young adults reflecting on similar feelings.
Gigi sings covers of “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey and “In The Middle” by Mt. Joy, shocking fans of both artists. Longtime fans of the singer are grateful that “Glue” (one of Gigi’s earlier tunes) has a place on her setlist. Gigi Perez even performs an unreleased song, “The Wall,” which she debuted at her Coachella 2026 performance.
The night wraps up with a strong trio of tracks from her debut album: “Twister,” “Chemistry,” and her viral hit “Sailor Song.” Fans grieve and heal together, turning the wooden dome-shaped venue into a home. After “Sailor Song,” Gigi speaks about how she sees every one of her fans and hopes for things to change for the better in their lives.
Overall, Gigi Perez put on an incredible show, transforming a simple room into an inclusive and safe space for fans to heal and embrace their emotions together. She’ll be continuing to tour this summer as both a headliner and an opener for Noah Kahan. Whether you’ve loved someone or lost someone, seeing Gigi Perez live will make you feel seen and help you find the light in any darkness you’re experiencing.
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