Grammy-nominated musician Maggie Rogers brought her arena-only Don’t Forget Me Tour to San Francisco’s Chase Center on Friday, November 2nd. Hailing from Easton, Maryland – Rogers initially gained fame after her song “Alaska” was played to artist and producer Pharrell Williams her senior year at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Pharrell later reported that he was visibly amazed by the artist and had “no notes”. Rogers has always been a dynamic, energetic, and passionate performer and this show at the Chase Center was no different. Whether dancing along her catwalk while holding impressive notes or rocking out on her guitar, the singer-songwriter remained fully engaging throughout the set. On several occasions, the singer has stated that San Francisco is her favourite city in the world to play, naming her 2019 show at the Greek Theater in nearby Berkeley, CA as one of her top three favourite shows she’s ever played. 
Maggie Rogers seemed genuinely grateful to be playing her first arena date in the Bay Area, thanking her fans for being there. Remarking to the crowd: “When I was a kid I used to play a lot of Rock Band […] in Rock Band, arenas are the final level of the video game”, she said with a laugh, “thank you for making it to the end of the video game with me!”. The headliner was not the only one to grace the stage that Friday night as Rogers would welcome legendary folk artist Joan Baez as a surprise guest to perform Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice”. Now 83-years-old and performing for more than 60 years, Baez arrived to thunderous applause. Famous for songs with themes of protest as well as social justice and for recording the songs of Dylan in the 1960’s, Baez’s voice continues to impress. 
Having seen Maggie Rogers several times over the years, including a hometown Washington, D.C. date in 2019, this writer/photographer can say that Rogers remains an amazing musician. Audiences can genuinely tell she enjoys performing, whether it’s an upbeat hit like “Light On” during which confetti fell from the roof or a slower tune such as “Dog Years”. The fans were still filing into the Chase Center during the show’s opening act Ryan Beatty however Maggie’s fans showed up for her as always, singing and dancing the night away. Unfortunately, Maggie Rogers is finished touring for the time being but be sure to give her a listen wherever you get your music and make sure to catch a show next time she’s in town! Thankfully, you can still enjoy our exclusive photo gallery from the Chase Center on November 2nd just below if you didn’t get to attend. You can follow Maggie Rogers on Instagram to keep up with her and to see what she has in store for 2025 @MaggieRogers.
Article & Photos By Lauren Fuchs (@LaurenFuchsPhotography)
