Kitty Craft @ Union Stage
On October 26th, 2025, After and Kitty Craft gave memorable performances at Union Stage in Washington, D.C. I had the privilege of covering this show and writing a review as a fan of both groups.
The rising musical duo After, formed in 2023, incorporates a creative element that defies belief, which was particularly evident in their live performance. Members Justine Dorsey and Graham Epstein create music that, though new, transports you back to the early 2000s. Their sound is reminiscent of Y2K trip pop as well as artists like Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, and even Massive Attack. I discovered their music not long ago and immediately fell in love with their sound. The group performed songs from both of their EPs: AFTER EP and AFTER EP 2.
Additionally, the venue’s layout contributed to the intimacy of the performance. The members of After looked at and performed for everyone in the audience in sincere acknowledgement. I was in awe of how amazing they sounded live. Justine’s mix of powerful and soothing vocals harmonized perfectly with the songs the band has uniquely curated. My favorites of their songs, “The Field,” “300 Dreams,” “Deep Diving,” and “Outbound,” performed live, were in some way hypnotic in their effect. Not to be dramatic, but hearing these songs live made me feel like I levitated. I also felt like I was sent back to 2004, watching one of the early 2000s’ most notable groups perform in front of my eyes. Their stage presence was captivating and just plain fun; everyone was dancing. I am so honored to have seen one of my current favorite groups, After, live and to have had such a close experience between us (the audience) and them.
The alternative/indie artist Kitty Craft, led by Pamela Valfer, gave us a heartwarming show as well. Fans of these music genres have almost certainly heard of Kitty Craft, as she’s been blessing our ears since 1994. Though Kitty Craft is a one-woman band, Pamela was also accompanied by a guitarist and background singer. This combination filled the room with rich, lilting vocals and resonance all around. Kitty Craft’s unique sound combines sampling, airy vocals, intricate acoustic guitar melodies, synths, lo-fi hip-hop beats, and an overall relaxing vibe, like frolicking through a field.
Pamela’s aesthetic and individualism haven’t changed. To use her own terms of reference, she made the audience feel as if we were in her living room, watching her play guitar and sing while we pet her cat. Her songs are whimsical and hopeful, just as she is! The art and visuals projected behind the performers added to the whimsical feel of the concert. Kitty Craft performed songs from albums Beats and Breaks from the Flower Patch, Catskills, some covers, and even some new songs! “Inward Jam,” “At the Charity Stripe,” “Par 5,” and of course “Alright” were, for my ears, the highlights of this performance. I am also honored I saw Kitty Craft live, knowing how much she paved the way and influenced the alternative/indie music scene we know now.
The workers at the venue were considerate and kind to us all. They were very lenient, even encouraging, in allowing us to meet the bands! At the end of the show, the audience was able to approach all the members of both After and Kitty Craft. That experience as a whole was laid back, easy-going, and not stressful. The members were so sweet and made each fan feel equally appreciated. Not only were we able to take pictures with them or get something signed, but we were also able to converse with them, a relatively uncommon occurrence at the end of most concerts. This was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The groups meshed well together, without a grinding mood or emotional shifts required in the transition from one to the other.
The experience as a whole was unforgettable and truly wonderful. There is no doubt in my mind that After will become increasingly popular in the months and years ahead. I forecast that Kitty Craft, too, will receive increasing attention, more and more richly deserved by both. As a goodbye to the audience, Pamela said as she left the stage, “Everything will be alright, D.C.” Well, it certainly was that evening! The ability to witness these two musical acts on the same stage in a single evening was a gift and an honor. Thank you, After and Kitty Craft, for such a remarkable evening!
