Mark Ambor rose to fame with his viral hit, “Belong Together,” a track that struck a chord with fans and showcased his undeniable talent and charisma. While the song speaks about love and longing for a partner, after witnessing his electrifying performance on his “Rockwood” tour on November 30, I couldn’t help but think Ambor may have been singing about something closer to home: Boston.
The night started with a vibrant performance by up-and-coming artist kenzie, who set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Accompanied by a two-man ensemble, kenzie brought an infectious energy to the Paradise Rock Club stage, blending upbeat melodies with an effortlessly cool vibe. Fans erupted in cheers as she started her set with “biting my tongue,” The energy was electric, and it was clear that Kenzie’s connection with her audience had only grown stronger over the years, building excitement and anticipation for Ambor’s headlining performance. The superstar started her career on Lifetime’s Dance Moms in 2011 and ventured into music in 2014.
Kenzie wrapped up her set with two fan favorites, “anatomy” and “bad 4 u,” which had the crowd singing along with every lyric. The emotion in her lyrics resonated deeply with the audience, as they connected with the raw vulnerability and passion behind each song. Though her set seemed to end too soon for many, the crowd was left excited, having been moved by the heartfelt performance.
When Ambor finally took the stage, it was apparent that the night would be unique. The energy in the room was palpable as the crowd cheered in anticipation. Ambor and his band took the stage, and it was immediately clear that the warm reception deeply moved him from the crowd. Opening with “I Hope It All Works Out,” Ambor captivated the audience from the very first note. His connection with the fans was evident throughout his performance—whether it was a smile, a wave, or a shared moment of eye contact, each gesture sent the crowd into a frenzy of excitement.
During the show, Ambor shared that the name “Rockwood” was inspired by a park in his hometown of Pleasantville, NY, where people went to hang out, go on dates, or escape the world. He explained that he wanted the concert to feel like that same kind of escape for his fans—a place where they could unwind and enjoy the music without any distractions—this intimate, reflective moment tied perfectly with the essence of his debut album, “Rockwood,” which had released ahead of his highly anticipated debut album tour.
Ambor’s tour, which kicked off alongside the album, released on August 16, was about more than just performing new music; it celebrated his growth as an artist and a way to share his connection to his hometown with fans worldwide. He stated during the show that his goal for the album was to create a space where everyone, regardless of their background, could experience the same sense of peace and escape he had found in the park.
The crowd’s energy reflected that escape, with each note offering more freedom and peace. But one particular moment stood out to Ambor as genuinely unforgettable. As he scanned the crowd, his eyes caught a sign held up at the barricade that read, “I taught you in 11th grade.” It was from his history teacher, Mrs. Drysdale, who had been a strong influence during his school years. The sight of the sign instantly choked him up, reminding him of the deep connection to his roots and the support he had received from key figures in his past.
Ambor shared the moment with the audience, acknowledging how Mrs. Drysdale had always been there for him, not just as a teacher but as someone who believed in his potential. Following the heartfelt moment, the singer turned to the crowd from the piano and said, “This is what home feels like.”
Midway through the show, Ambor surprised the crowd by announcing that he would perform the following few songs in the raw, stripped-down style they originally wrote—acoustic and intimate. Fans in the front row were excitedly beside themselves, squealing and hugging one another as Ambor moved through the crowd, guitar in hand. He reached the heart of the tightly packed audience and began playing “Hate That I Still Love You.”
As a special tribute to performing in James Taylor’s hometown of Boston, Ambor also delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Fire and Rain,” further solidifying the emotional connection between him and the crowd. All too soon, it was time for the encore, and the energy in the room was at an all-time high. Ambor closed the night with his viral hit, “Belong Together,” streamed over 610 million times. The crowd erupted in cheers as the final notes rang out, a perfect ending to a night filled with unforgettable music and emotion. Fans left the venue anticipating the next time they would experience Mark Ambor and kenzie’s captivating performances.
Follow along with kenzie and Mark Ambor on Instagram @kenzie and @markambor
