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Victoria Victoria

Sails Original Music Series features Victoria Victoria with Charlie Hunter

The City of Hickory's 2023 Sails Original Music Series continues this week with pop sensation Victoria Victoria, accompanied by Charlie Hunter. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 9, at Union Square in downtown Hickory.

Sails Music Coordinator Bob Sinclair describes Victoria Victoria as “a promising young pop outfit collaborating with iconic guitarist Charlie Hunter.” 

Tori Elliot’s deep love of harmony is the driving force that shapes her soul-pop musical endeavor, Victoria Victoria. Her craft in songwriting is the seedbed for intricate vocal arrangements, creating a layered, ethereal experience; one that translates dynamically from her albums to her live shows.

Compared to the likes of modern songwriting giants Maggie Rogers, Regina Spektor, and Carole King, Elliott leans into lusciously stacked harmonies and entrancing melodies. Her songs speak to the relatability and nuances of love, relationship, and growing older. 

Victoria Victoria’s debut album, Coastal Beast, was released in 2016. From there, Elliott’s songs have been featured on reality TV shows such as Love Island, the 2020 thriller Getaway, Spotify editorial playlists, and more. Most recently, Elliott teamed up with guitarist and producer Charlie Hunter, and together they wrote and released their nine-song album, To the Wayside, in 2022.

“Writing these songs with Charlie was an otherworldly experience,” says Elliott, who engineered and produced her lead and background vocals in her home studio. “Arranging these songs for our live show was even more incredible.” 

January 2023 marked Victoria Victoria’s debut tour with Charlie Hunter on hybrid guitar; her brother Noah Elliott on keys and vocals; her dear friend and collaborator Maia Kamil on vocals; and renowned Memphis drummer George Sluppik. The rhythm section makes for a sturdy foundation for transcendent vocal performances and inviting banter. The charisma and kinship between the band members leaves listeners with the sense that each Victoria Victoria show is truly a family affair.

Started in 2012, the City of Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series showcases well-crafted live music by bringing original music artists to The Sails on the Square. Original music is defined as music that is written or composed by the artist who performs it.

The Sails Original Music Series offers excellent musical entertainment from national and international touring acts with the help of numerous sponsors. Thanks to sponsors Atriax, Neill Construction Company, Protection Products, Bob Sinclair Music, Larry’s Music & Sound, Pfahlert Creative Labs, Olde Hickory Brewery, and Crowne Plaza.

In addition to the seating available at Union Square, audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. A variety of close-by bars and restaurants offer food and beverages. 

ABC permitted businesses within the Hickory Downtown Social District will sell beer and wine in special marked cups that may be consumed on Union Square, sidewalks, and other public areas within the designated boundaries of the social district. No outside alcohol may be brought into the social district. To review additional restrictions and a detailed map of the social district’s coverage area, visit www.hickorync.gov/downtown-social-district.

For more information about the Sails Original Music Series and upcoming bands, please visit www.HickoryNC.gov/SailsMusic and follow the Sails Original Music Series Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SailsMusic.