MATISYAHU LIVE!! | LINCOLN THEATER
Coverage by Larissa Blankenship
The Lincoln Theatre was filled with excited fans ahead of Matisyahu’s show on October 21st in Raleigh, NC as part of the Ancient Child tour. Matisyahu is the stage name of American reggae singer Matthew Paul Miller. Miller began his music career in the early 2000s with the release of his debut album Shake Off the Dust… Arise. In 2010 Miller’s song “One Day”, off of his third studio album Light, was used in NBC’s countdown to that year’s winter olympics. The recognition from this led “One Day” to be one of Miller’s top hits. Miller has since released five additional albums, with his most recent, Ancient Child, releasing earlier this month.
Matisyahu opened the evening with “Rockets” from Ancient Child, immediately setting a tone of deep immersion. Singing with his eyes closed, he appeared lost in the music, only to later lift his gaze toward the balcony, connecting with fans across the venue. At one point, Miller leaned down from the stage to high-five a fan at the barricade—a small gesture that spoke volumes about his warmth and accessibility.
Adding to the night’s uniqueness, a live painter was positioned to the right of the stage. Beginning during the opening band’s set, the artist returned to complete the piece once Miller took the spotlight, creating a visual counterpart to the music’s energy.
The setlist spanned Miller’s diverse catalog, including the crowd-favorite “King Without a Crown.” His seamless blend of reggae, rap, and beatbox styles transformed the performance into more than just a concert—it was an experience. The fusion of sound, art, and audience connection made the show unforgettable, a testament to Matisyahu’s ability to transcend genres and create moments that linger long after the final note.
