[Concert Review] Singer-Songwriter Sarah Kang Shares Warm Melodies on Life’s Changes in the Before and After Tour

2025 may be almost over, but we still have a few singers making their way through this fall and winter to close out the year with more good music. Singer-songwriter Sarah Kang happens to be one of them. On October 10th, the singer released a brand-new album called Before and After, naming the accompanying tour after it and visiting cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and New York. Be sure to catch her this month!

The NYC-based artist has a diverse discography influenced by genres such as pop, jazz, and R&B—all wrapped together with thoughtful and intentional lyrics that speak to listeners in all stages of life.

On December 10th, Sarah met San Francisco listeners at the Great American Music Hall with special guest Hohyun opening. Singer-songwriter Hohyun began the night with personable songs and wasn’t shy about getting fans jumping and waving their hands in the air. Throughout his set, he spoke honestly about the stories behind his music. While introducing his track “Tomorrow,” Hohyun shared his journey and struggles with mental health—talking openly about seeking help, being diagnosed with ADHD, and attending therapy to find his way back to himself. The song reflects the thought process of going through those emotions and feeling stuck.

His song “Flawed” was also an ode to the truths one feels while wrestling with internal emotions. Built as a slow band ballad with electric guitar and soft percussion, the song’s climax had the audience chanting along with him: “I’m so flawed.” Another track, “Sunset Boulevard,” carried a slower R&B sound that showcased his controlled and emotional vocals. His opening set was warmly received by an audience eagerly awaiting Sarah’s performance.

When Sarah took the stage with her band, she opened the show with “Let’s Run Away,” an R&B-styled band song from her 2022 album How I Remember. Listeners soaked in her soothing vocals while enjoying the accompaniment of her band—Patrick on bass (and also her music producer), Kurt on drums, Taka on keys, and Mario on guitar. Sarah performed a variety of instrumentally rich songs with the full band, such as “Summer After Senior Year” and “Once in a Moon,” before eventually stripping things down to play her guitar accompanied solely by Taka on keyboard.

The singer later shared how the name Before and After came to be for both her album and tour. In January 2024, Sarah toured while pregnant with her first child, her daughter. She explained how motherhood has transformed her life and the journey she is now on. Life is full of “before and after” moments—parts of you that stay the same and parts that inevitably change—and this theme is reflected throughout her album and tour. For Sarah, this meant looking back at who she was before becoming a mother and embracing the changes that came after.

Highlights of the Night

“LOML” (with Hohyun) – Performed as an acoustic guitar-led duet, this soft love song highlighted Sarah’s delicate, clear vocals, which harmonized beautifully with Hohyun’s. With stripped-down instrumentals, the performance drew the audience in, encouraging them to listen closely to every word.

“Easy to Love” – An upbeat jazz/funk song showcasing the full band. Sarah shared the warmth behind the lyrics as the crowd swayed to the groove-heavy instrumental. She and her band even did an adorable two-step onstage, prompting the audience to join in. Big smiles filled the room as people naturally moved to the rhythm. Definitely one of the memorable moments from the night as the crowd had a lot of fun.

“No Reason” – Sarah introduced this song by reflecting on growing up feeling pressured to “earn” her parents’ love. Now, as a mother who has done personal healing and self-reflection, she explained that this song expresses loving someone for no particular reason. She wrote it for her daughter. Hearing her story and then the lyrics was unexpectedly emotional, revealing the clarity and intention behind the song.

Sarah’s Before and After album is a gift for anyone navigating life transitions and in need of comfort. With heartfelt stories and intention woven into every track, Sarah offers pieces of her heart and words of encouragement for all who may be moving through different experiences of love and life. Hearing both old and new songs at this show, one could easily get lost in each lyric.

If you haven’t listened to her new album Before and After, it’s out on all platforms—perfect for a cozy autumn day. Thank you, Sarah, for letting us experience your music!