On Jan. 27, Big Night Live was lined up with Swifties dressed up as sparkling cats and fan-made costumes of Taylor Swift’s music videos, as they prepared to dance the night away.
During a two-night “Taylor Party” hosted by Big Night Live, fans were encouraged to transform their Ticketmaster rage into dancing and singing.
During the November presale for Taylor Swift’s forthcoming “Eras” tour, Ticketmaster was forced to cancel sales for her performances due to an “extraordinarily high demand” and “insufficient remaining ticket inventory,” generating criticism from Swift fans and the artist herself.
If fans were unable to get tickets to the “Eras” tour, they had the chance to interact and express their admiration for the singer at a new “Taylor Swift” themed event.
“The Taylor Party” touring show made a stop in Boston, promising a night to fulfill a fan’s wildest dreams. This dance party was “Taylor-made” for Swift fans: an environment to dance with fellow Swifties while a DJ plays songs from her decade-and-a-half-long discography.
Located in the center of TD Garden, the Big Night Live venue has proven to be a huge success for musical events, previously hosting Sabrina Carpenter and Louis Tomlinson.
The facility was outfitted with luxurious, red leather sofas that have gold accents. The stage was illuminated with triple lightheads, and attendees had access to a photo booth throughout the performance. The event was for those above the age of 18, and the bar for those over 21 sold both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Big Night Live was crowded with fans dressed in attire inspired by the singer’s albums, and these fans were accompanied by friends and family members singing along to their favorite songs. Some outfits stuck out, such as a group wearing cat ears and heart-shaped spectacles. There were many fans with Swift’s number “13” written on their hands and supporting merchandise sold from her website.
“The Taylor Party” featured everything a diehard Swiftie would desire: a DJ, balloons, sparkly costumes, and breakup angst channeled.
Swift is recognized for her heartfelt, realistic breakup songs, self-love anthems, and her music’s popularity was evident throughout the night. The DJ’s playlist was mostly made up of “Midnights” tracks, though they played hits from her earlier releases, like “Enchanted” and “Love Story.”
Though the event was in Boston, international devoted followers like audience member Gigi, who declined to give a last name, who flew overseas to spend a night celebrating her idol from Argentina.
Gigi pictured with her flag she brought to the party supporting her country.
“I realized not only was Taylor something different from the other pop artists, but that music can change lives if you choose to do it the right way,” Gigi said. “She can cry with you, hug you, help you get up from whatever situation you’re going through just to then dance with her.”
Many in attendance idolized Swift for the entirety of her career and stressed how she changed their lives.
Another attendee Chelsea, a Boston middle school English teacher, stressed the messages of Swift’s music throughout her adulthood.
“I’m 22 and I have been to all of her concerts, including her first,” Chelsea said. “My roommate and I are here tonight because we both love her and are celebrating her music because it is inspiring.”
Swift preaches about her connection with fans and her gratitude for them growing up with her. The audience’s connection with the pop star’s music was evident with how they chanted along, having memorized every word.
The audience spanned generations, and all had fun viewing Swift’s mainstream music videos while dancing to the music. Older videos created a nostalgic atmosphere, encapsulating not just the soul of the songs, but also the heart of Swift’s career.
The audience’s energy was contagious; everyone experienced the music differently, though in harmony, and created a true sense of community. It is impossible to deny that the connection felt with other individuals in the room when listening to Swift’s songs is what binds together such a large fanbase.
Her lyrics express relatable emotions and sentiments, ones that make many of her listeners feel seen and heard. The pop star’s immense popularity may be attributed, in large part, to the fact that her music strikes a chord with listeners on an emotional level and makes them feel like they aren’t alone in the world.
It was a place where individuals may come to remember their common humanity and develop mutual understanding and compassion. “The Taylor Party” allowed for fans to connect in a way they haven’t been able to since the pandemic.
Fans who won’t be able to catch her on tour this summer were given an opportunity to still relate with one another and appreciate her music at a price they could afford, which resulted in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
