Ichiko Aoba & Hayden Pedigo – Miller Theater – Philadelphia (A PopEntertainment.com Concert Review)

PopEntertainment
May 19
2 min read

Updated: May 28

Ichiko Aoba – Miller Theater – Philadelphia, PA – May 17, 2025 – Photo by Jordan Wagner © 2025

Ichiko Aoba & Hayden Pedigo – Miller Theater – Philadelphia, PA – May 17, 2025

The serene music of Ichiko Aoba and Hayden Pedigo was exactly what I needed after a hectic weekend. The Luminescent Creatures Tour was wonderful to unwind with and hear some of the greatest vocalizations in modern music.

Hayden Pedigo – Miller Theater – Philadelphia, PA – May 17, 2025 – Photo by Jordan Wagner © 2025

However, the opening act needed no vocals at all to put the crowd at ease. Hayden Pedigo's original instrumentals on guitar set the mood for the audience. His work displayed plenty of care and mastery of his style. Pedigo himself was a hilarious presence on stage. Despite his alleged nerves he interacted with the audience and shared many laughs with us as he encouraged polite heckling. I don't believe I have seen such a fun opening act before. He made it known to the audience that you can find his tracks on Apple Music.

Ichiko's performance was nothing short of incredible with beautiful melodies, and heart-melting showmanship. Despite a language barrier, she still converses with the audience with a charm that is uniquely hers. Between songs she incorporated some opening thoughts and statements both in English and Japanese. I appreciated her well roundedness and appreciation for everyone in her audience.

Her music itself is something I have personally enjoyed for a few years now. Her song “Sleep Among Endives” was surreal and phenomenal in person. Her otherworldly voice fills the room with an overwhelming sense of peace. Another great song to hear was “Mr. Sun” (or “太陽さん”), a slightly bouncier tune that still encompasses her calming style and voice. Ichiko's masterful guitar playing accompanied her voice beautifully, and yet I was most excited to hear her play an Omnichord during the second half of the show.

The Luminescent Creatures Tour was unique to me in that I have never seen a concert entirely composed of softer music. I ended up realizing afterwards how much I needed that. I highly recommend this tour and would like to thank Hayden Pedigo and Ichiko Aoba for hosting us.

Jordan Wagner