MARIS at New Brookland Tavern in Columbia, SC

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words and photos by Cherry Mac

It’s been said before, and it’ll be said again: MARIS is the next big pop star you should be watching.

Currently on her MARIS Goes to College Tour, this pop artist is commanding the room with her incredible stage presence while simultaneously building community with each fan in her audience. Despite the Spring heat, MARIS called for the crowd to come together and join hands with one another before performing “Chameleon”, a song about insecurities and people-pleasing tendencies. She continued to lead everyone in self-love affirmations, learn fans by name, and encourage even those standing towards the back to let loose and dance with their neighbors. In times where people are seeking the comfort of community, MARIS is carving a safe space for every person at her show.

Towards the end of the night, MARIS held the room in total silence as she played her acoustic number, “Goodbye Forever”. Not a cough or whisper was heard as the crowd listened with full attention to the lyrics depicting the finality of heartbreak. The respect the artist and her fans hold for one another is evident in how they both treat eachother throughout the night.

MARIS goes on to play ten more shows on her college tour through early May. With the care and attention she carries from her lyrics to recordings to live performances, it won’t be much longer that you’ll be able to see her in this size venue.