I Went to Brooklyn for a Concert, I Left With Vocal Cord Envy and Traumatic Levels of Joy

I’m still buzzing. Seriously, I don’t think the adrenaline has fully worn off. Last night, I got to witness the absolute force of nature that is Renee Rapp live at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and I’m here to tell you—she is incredible. If you’ve been on the fence about seeing her, consider this your official, non-negotiable nudge: go.

For those of you who might not know the name (though I promise, you will soon!), Renee Rapp is what the entertainment industry calls a triple threat, and she lives up to that title completely. She first stole the hearts of Broadway fans as the iconic Regina George in Mean Girls. She then charmed TV audiences as Leighton Murray in Max's The Sex Lives of College Girls. But right now, she’s absolutely crushing it as a world-renowned pop singer. Her talent is just immense, spanning stage, screen, and now, the biggest concert arenas.

I was lucky enough to treat myself to the VIP experience, and let me tell you, getting to see her live and up close is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience. The energy in the room, even before the show started, was electric. The VIP package included a Q&A session, which was a fantastic chance to see her personality shine. She’s so open and engaging with her fans.

During the Q&A, I actually got to ask her a question! I asked where she would go if she could travel anywhere on vacation. Her answer was so relatable: she said she travels often for work, so if she could truly escape, it would be to her home state of North Carolina. It was a sweet reminder that even a massive star yearns for the comfort of home.

Another fun tidbit from the session was when a fan asked about her first-ever concert. Her response was OneRepublic. What makes that so cool is that it’s become a full-circle moment for her, as she now writes songs with Ryan Tedder, the band’s lead singer! I love hearing stories like that; it shows how dreams truly can turn into reality. And, in a funny moment, she mentioned that no matter what she posts on social media, she always gets comments asking her to “come to Brazil”—so I am hoping she will choose me to help her plan that South American tour!

What I truly appreciate about Renee Rapp—and what makes her stand out—is that she is completely unafraid to say what she thinks. In an industry that often encourages a careful, curated image, her honesty is incredibly refreshing and genuine. She doesn’t hold back, and that same fearlessness translates directly into her music and her stage presence.

Now, let’s get into the show itself. It was a spectacular production, but the heart of it was, of course, Renee’s voice. One of the highlights was her performance of “Shy.” I love that she kept changing keys at the end—it was so dynamic and refreshing, and I hope she incorporates more of that spontaneous brilliance into future shows. And, needless to say, she was absolutely not shy singing that one!

But my true favorite, most mesmerizing part of the night was “In The Kitchen.” As she sang, the entire audience held up their phone flashlights, and the way it lit up the massive arena was absolutely beautiful. It was a communal, glowing moment that felt intimate despite the crowd, and I’m sure it’s a memory that everyone there will carry with them.

And then, there’s her song “Snow Angel.” It’s my favorite piece of music she has ever written, and live, she is a complete POWERHOUSE. You can feel the emotion pouring out of her as she sings every single word; it’s palpable. They performed an incredible orchestral version of it, and watching that unfold live was nothing short of a cathartic experience. It was a moment I will never, ever forget.

Honestly, this was the best concert I’ve ever been to. Anytime Renee Rapp announces a show in NYC or Brooklyn, I will absolutely be there. Her talent, her energy, and her authentic spirit make her a must-see performer. Take my word for it: you need to see her live. When she comes to a city near you, treat yourself to the experience—you won’t regret it!

Making the most of Brooklyn: pre- and post-concert plans

If you’re making a trip to Brooklyn for the show, you absolutely need to explore the vibrant neighborhoods surrounding the arena.

Before the concert, you could grab lunch at a local favorite. The area around Barclays Center is a foodie haven. You have everything from classic New York slices at Patsy’s Pizzeria to fantastic Latin American food at Bogota Latin Bistro, or even a quick, reliable bite at Shake Shack, which is right across the street. For a more casual, immersive experience, you can check out DeKalb Market Hall, which is packed with over twenty different food and drink vendors.

For a little pre-show retail therapy, you don’t even need to travel far. The Atlantic Terminal Mall is located right across the street from the Barclays Center, and it’s a fantastic hub for any last-minute needs or shopping excursions. This is where you can find major anchor stores like Target (perfect for picking up any essentials you forgot!), DSW for shoes, and Sephora and Bath & Body Works for a quick beauty refresh before the show. There’s also Uniqlo and Old Navy if you feel like grabbing a new shirt to rock at the concert. Plus, if you need to stock up on snacks or drinks for your hotel room, there’s a Stop & Shop right in the complex.

If you have a bit more time to spare before the doors open, I highly recommend a quick dose of culture or relaxation. You can walk over to the New York Transit Museum for a fun, unique look at the city’s subway history, or stroll a little further to the stunning Brooklyn Botanic Garden for a moment of peace before the energy of the show. If you’re a sightseer, the famous photo op in DUMBO or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is always within reach via a short subway ride.

After Renee has absolutely blown your mind, the night doesn’t have to end! The Park Slope and Fort Greene neighborhoods, which border the venue, are full of great spots to keep the vibe going. For a celebratory drink, you have cozy Irish pubs like McMahon’s Public House or German bierhalles like Die Koelner Bierhalle, which are perfect for groups. If you’re looking for something a bit more craft-focused, check out the various bars around Fifth Avenue for local beer or great cocktails. Nothing beats recapping an incredible concert over a late-night bite and a good drink.

To finish off the excitement, if you need a hotel recommendation for your concert trip, I have a few great suggestions for every style of traveler. For ultimate convenience right in the area, the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport is a fantastic and fun choice—you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica LIRR, then hop on the train to Atlantic Terminal, which takes you directly to the Barclays Center.

If you’re looking for luxury and stunning views, consider the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. It’s located on the waterfront in the DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights area, offering unmatched views of the Manhattan skyline and a gorgeous rooftop bar. Or, for a trendy, artistic vibe in one of Brooklyn’s hippest neighborhoods, look at The William Vale in Williamsburg. It offers private balconies with spectacular views in every room and features the famous Westlight rooftop bar. Both the 1 Hotel and The William Vale offer a high-end experience that will truly complete your trip.

And finally, remember that this entire concert experience—from the VIP tickets to the hotel and transport logistics—is exactly what a good travel advisor can handle. We don’t just book hotels, flights, and ground transportation; we go above and beyond. We can help you secure those coveted concert tickets, plan all your activities, make fantastic dinner reservations, and so much more, transforming a simple trip into an unforgettable, seamless adventure. So next time you’re dreaming of seeing your favorite artist, let an advisor handle the heavy lifting so you can just enjoy the show!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our New York City page.