By Brooke Barowski
When Lawrence took the stage at Knoxville’s Mill & Mine on Sunday, October 19, the sibling-led soul pop band didn’t just perform; they transformed the entire room into a kaleidoscope of color, harmony, and joy. Fronted by brother and sister Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, their Knoxville show was nothing short of electric, blending theatrical flair, raw musicianship, and contagious energy into a two hour spectacle that felt like both a concert and a production.
Before the headliners appeared, opener Jacob Jefferies set a whimsical tone with his feel good melodies that were lighthearted yet emotionally rich. His warm performance was the perfect invitation into a night overflowing with creativity and connection.
From the moment Lawrence began, the audience interaction was through the roof. Fans weren’t just watching the show; they were part of it. At one point, the crowd even got to vote on which songs the band would play, turning the performance into a lively conversation between artist and audience. Every cheer and clap added to the rhythm of the evening, building a sense of community that pulsed through the venue.
The set design added to that magic, constantly shifting with the mood of the music. One moment felt like a dance party; the next, a soft reflection under dim light. Lawrence moved easily between those worlds, showing their rare ability to balance high energy fun with thoughtful emotion.
Lawrence is more than a band;they are born entertainers. Between songs, Clyde and Gracie filled the room with quick humor and genuine warmth. Their sibling chemistry was effortless, their timing impeccable. During one particularly charming moment, they asked the audience to raise their hands if they were the oldest, middle, or youngest sibling. That playful poll turned into a three part harmony lesson, with the entire crowd singing together in perfect, joyful chaos.
The setlist included tracks from all their albums, even offering a preview of their upcoming fourth release. Each song revealed another layer of the band’s sound, from smooth soul and pop to funky grooves and piano-driven emotion. “The Weather” stood out as a favorite, perfectly balancing heartfelt storytelling with a chorus that stuck.
One of the most exciting moments of the night came when Lawrence performed a totally unique arrangement of Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” The song’s familiar beat turned into something bold and brassy, infused with Lawrence’s signature energy. It was clever, theatrical, and unforgettable—a highlight that proved how fearless the band is when it comes to making music entirely their own.
Throughout it all, Gracie Lawrence shined with effortless power. Her voice, full of warmth and precision, feels perfectly suited for the Broadway stage. Fresh off her run in “Just in Time” which ended October 5, she brought the same level of poise and stamina to Knoxville, commanding the stage for two full hours with ease. Her range and spunky presence gave every lyric weight, captivating the audience from start to finish.
What truly set the night apart was how natural it all felt. The improv, the laughter, the shared harmonies;it never once seemed rehearsed. Every member of the band played with heart, locked in with one another and with the crowd. The result was a performance that felt alive, spontaneous, and completely sincere.
By the end of the night, the audience was on its feet, clapping, singing, and refusing to let the moment end. When the lights finally dimmed, the excitement lingered like a spark in the air. Lawrence didn’t just light up the Mill & Mine, they lit up Knoxville itself, turning an ordinary Sunday night into a memory that fans-new and old will carry for a long time to come.