published
November 19, 2025
author
Jordan Grammer
Sam Smith is in the midst of a multi-month residency here in New York City and we were fortunate enough to experience a magical evening with the talented vocalist at Warsaw. While traditionally a venue for hard-hitting genres like punk or metal, Warsaw in Greenpoint opened its doors to crooner Sam Smith and their large musical accompaniment in October and so far, it’s been a smash success. Where mosh pits usually prevail, one could hear a pin drop between notes as Smith serenaded the crowd with their gut-wrenchingly beautiful performance of a catalog not only spanning decades, but every spectrum of the human experience from love to loss to lust. Just when we thought we’d fully experienced the breadth of Smith’s talent, they spun up a few covers that dealt the final emotional blow. There was not a dry eye in the house for the “Book of Love” cover by The Magnetic Fields.
What we love most about Smith is that in their music, there is something for everyone, and that was reflected in the sold-out crowd we experienced at Warsaw. From children sitting on parents’ shoulders to elders embracing in the VIP seats, there was enough love in the room that evening to light up the whole city. Smith recognized the intimacy of the room, saying:
“I have been touring so much, since the age of 21. I went from playing in venues of this size to playing in arenas in one year. I stayed in those arenas for nearly 10 years,and it was a really amazing experience, and I love singing in those rooms, but my favorite shows, and the ones that changed me as an artist, were the gigs that were shared in rooms like this, that are built for music.”
While we attended one of the first nights of the residency at Warsaw, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch Sam Smith and their wonderful accompaniment. You can find dates for the remaining shows below!
Upcoming dates are November 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, and 29, and December 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, and 13.
Connect with Sam Smith on Instagram, Spotify, and their website.
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Liv Kat
Liv Kat is a sonic architect who thoughtfully bridges the worlds of music, design, and physical space. As a content creator, DJ, and music curator, Liv specializes in crafting the bespoke audio programming that transforms ordinary rooms into immersive sensory experiences. Whether she is building a custom soundtrack, spinning a live performance, or shaping a brand activation, Liv gives hospitality groups, wellness centers, and art galleries the perfect auditory backdrop to elevate their space. Powered by the chill, textured rhythms of trip-hop, nu-disco, and jazz, her work tastefully maps the intersection of sound, mood, and atmosphere.
Following a Water + Music event, we caught up with Liv to talk early concert memories, inspiration, and the power of live music.
What was the first concert you attended?
The concert that really stands out as one of my first was seeing John Mayer perform at The Gorge Amphitheatre in the mid-2000s. His stage presence was incredible, and at one point he played the guitar with his tongue… I was blown away!
Where are you from?
I'm originally from the West Coast (California and Oregon), but I've been living in NYC for eight years.
What do you do?
I'm a content creator, DJ, and music curator, which means I design the sound and music programming for physical spaces, from hospitality and restaurant groups to wellness centers and art galleries.
Who/what do you draw inspiration from?
I'm obsessed with sonic ambiance: how sound can elevate a beautiful physical space, whether that's a hotel lobby, a lounge, or a pilates studio. I draw inspiration from artists whose sound shapes mood and emotion, spanning trip hop, nu disco, jazz, and deep house, with favorites like Zero 7, Air, Thievery Corporation, and Ella Fitzgerald. I'm also drawn to interior design and architecture, and how spaces like the Getty Museum in LA or Hôtel Costes in Paris use sound and design together to create atmosphere.
What does live music mean to you?
Community, connection, and catharsis. It's one of the few places left where a room full of strangers can feel like a shared experience.
Do you play any instruments?
I grew up playing clarinet, piano, and guitar. That technical foundation has been a huge asset in my DJing career.