Sara Bareilles wowed audiences at The Kennedy Center with a blend of old and new songs in September. Despite her evolving career, she has maintained the same pre-show ritual for decades: a small sip of bourbon before stepping on stage. “I’ve been doing this since my 20s,” Bareilles shared, adding that she no longer drinks it regularly.
Beyond this quirky tradition, Bareilles values connection before performing. She takes a moment to “touch in” with those joining her on stage, setting an intention for the show. At The Kennedy Center, her collaborators included Rufus Wainwright, Emily King, David Ryan Harris, and pianist Nadia DiGiallonardo. The performances, filmed for PBS’ Next at the Kennedy Center series, will air on December 31.
Reflecting on her approach, Bareilles noted, “The best shows happen when I remember it’s not about me. It’s about what we can give to the audience.” Her humility allows her to focus on creating memorable, heartfelt performances.
The PBS special, Sara Bareilles: New Year’s Eve With the National Symphony Orchestra & Friends, features highlights like her 2007 hit “Gravity.” Bareilles fondly recalls stepping away from the piano to sing with a beautifully arranged orchestral accompaniment by Rob Moose.
In her dressing room, Bareilles keeps things simple. “Snacks, good lighting, and a mirror,” she says, laughing about not demanding extravagant requests like a bowl of green M&Ms. A bottle of bourbon, water, and her beloved dog Louie are all she truly needs to prepare.
Louie, whom she adopted with fiancé Joe Tippett, keeps her grounded before shows. “He’s the most helpful,” she shared. Rather than relying on lucky charms, Bareilles cultivates a mindset of presence and adaptability, which she carries into every performance.
Among the songs Bareilles performed at The Kennedy Center was “Enough,” written for the musical adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s The Interestings. She connected deeply with the book’s themes of ambition and contentment. “I was so moved by the character of Dennis,” she explained, noting parallels to her own struggles with letting go of youthful aspirations.
Sara Bareilles: New Year’s Eve With the National Symphony Orchestra & Friends will premiere December 31 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS, PBS.org, and the PBS app. Fans can expect a heartfelt celebration of music and connection from this iconic artist.
