What to expect at Tinashe’s One Night With a Popstar: Setlist, start time and more

Welcome to SeatGeek Front Row, where we experience concerts, navigate the chaos and make mistakes so you don't have to. For this edition, NYC concert expert Annmarie Gajdos takes you inside Tinashe's One Night With a Popstar, breaking down everything from the setlist and sold-out merch to how to make sure you're not stuck in line when it's time to get nasty.

I've been a Tinashe fan for years, long before "Nasty" became a viral sensation and "No Broke Boys" started dominating dance floors. I've seen her perform in previous eras, and I've always thought she was an incredible artist. But something about seeing her at Brooklyn Paramount on October 24 felt different.

Tinashe has always had the vocals, choreography and catalog to be a pop star. Now, it feels like she's finally claiming that title for herself.

I've even had the opportunity to meet her at a Rough Trade meet-and-greet, where she was genuinely so kind. Seeing her receive this level of recognition after years of releasing great music made the evening feel especially rewarding.

What Tinashe's “One Night With a Popstar” concert is actually like

Between the elaborate dance breaks, strong live vocals, multiple outfit changes and a crowd that seemed determined to turn the venue into an underground nightclub, Tinashe delivered a performance that felt like one big party.

The only problem? Getting inside and buying merchandise were almost as much of an event as the concert itself.

Who opens for Tinashe on One Night With a Popstar?

For Tinashe's October 24 show at Brooklyn Paramount, the opening act was DJ Ali RQ.

Rather than a traditional opening singer or band, Ali RQ warmed up the crowd with a club-oriented DJ set. It was a fitting choice for an evening built around dancing, and it helped establish the atmosphere before Tinashe arrived.

Doors were scheduled to open at 7 p.m., with Tinashe taking the stage at approximately 9:05 p.m.

If you're attending another date, check the specific venue's schedule, since opening acts and performance times can vary.

And don't assume that arriving shortly before Tinashe's set means you'll walk straight inside. At Brooklyn Paramount, that would have been a serious mistake.

What songs does Tinashe play on One Night With a Popstar?

Tinashe's Brooklyn performance lasted approximately 75 minutes, beginning shortly after 9 p.m. and wrapping up around 10:20 p.m.

The show opened with a dramatic lighting sequence projected onto flowing curtains covering the stage. Around 9:07 p.m., her dancers emerged in sweatshirts featuring her star logo, taking photos and flashing lights as Tinashe made her entrance.

It was a clever way to introduce the night's theme: everyone was there to see a pop star, after all.

Tinashe appeared in a beige-and-white, military-inspired jacket with an exaggerated shape at the hips, a feathered miniskirt and tall lace-up boots. Her dancers wore coordinating nude bodysuits and boots, creating a cohesive look without distracting from the choreography.

The opening lighting was dark and smoky, which made taking clear photos challenging. But the atmosphere worked with the music, giving the performance a slightly mysterious, edgy quality.

What impressed me immediately was how much Tinashe danced.

Her choreography wasn't watered down compared with her backup dancers'. She was performing demanding, synchronized routines right alongside them, complete with hair flips, sharp movements and plenty of attitude.

And her microphone was absolutely on.

Even while dancing and jumping around the stage, she delivered strong vocals, adding high notes and extra flourishes that reminded the audience just how talented she is.

By approximately 9:22 p.m., she was addressing the audience and encouraging everyone to have a good time. The crowd didn't need much convincing.

Songs like "Bouncin'," "Throw a Fit" and "Needs" inspired enthusiastic reactions, while older favorites gave longtime fans opportunities to sing along.

Around 9:30 p.m., another dance break marked a shift in the production. The dancers performed in front of the curtain before it lifted, revealing an elevated platform and stairs.

Tinashe returned in a different outfit, with a high-cut tank top, black micromini shorts, and tall boots, while the mood simultaneously became more introspective.

Blue and green lighting washed over the stage as she moved between the raised platform, stairs and main performance area. At times, visuals appeared behind her while dancers performed above.

This section gave the audience a chance to connect with the music beyond the club-ready hits. During one of the more emotional songs, fans raised their phone flashlights, turning the packed venue into a sea of lights.

Tinashe also took a moment during the evening to express gratitude for the reception to her latest project. Having followed her career for years, I found that especially meaningful.

Then the energy picked right back up.

When "Nasty" arrived, the audience erupted. "No Broke Boys," her collaboration with Disco Lines, kept the momentum going with another infectious dance sequence. "2 On" was another welcome reminder of how many great songs Tinashe has released throughout her career.

I do have one complaint: she didn't perform "All Hands on Deck," one of my favorite songs from her earlier years.

Still, it was difficult to be disappointed with a setlist this strong.

Tinashe's Brooklyn Paramount setlist 

1. Popstar

2. Cloud 9

3. Too Easy

4. Brainrot

5. Sunglasses

6. Flashbacks

7. Bouncin'

8. Throw a Fit

9. Link Up

10. Empty Stadium

11. Twentyfive Eight

12. Getting No Sleep

13. Gravity (with "Superlove" bridge)

14. Needs

15. Heavy Weight

16. I'd Rather Be Alone

17. Nobody Wanna Dance Anymore

18. Pillow Fight

19. Nasty

20. No Broke Boys

21. 2 On

Encore

1. Melatonin

2. Crash Out

The show also featured an introductory sequence incorporating "The Show Must Go On" and "Popstar," a "SHY GUY" interlude, and additional transitions featuring "HMU for a Good Time," the "Nasty" remix and the Disco Lines remix of "No Broke Boys."

This is the Brooklyn setlist, not a guarantee that every upcoming performance will feature the same songs or running order.

What does Tinashe's One Night With a Popstar stage look like?

If you're expecting an enormous arena production with elaborate moving sets, One Night With a Popstar takes a different approach.

The stage design is relatively simple, but the lighting, choreography and curtains make it feel dynamic.

At the beginning, flowing curtains conceal much of the stage, with projected white lighting and flashes helping create a dramatic entrance. Tinashe performs in front of the curtain for the first section, accompanied by dancers who frequently move around her.

Once the curtain rises, the audience gets a better view of the stage's elevated platform and stairs.

This creates different levels for the performers, allowing Tinashe to move between the main floor and raised areas while her dancers perform above or around her.

The lighting changes significantly throughout the night, moving from dark, smoky tones to blues and greens during the more reflective section.

By the final stretch, the production feels more like an underground dance party, with performers spread across different levels of the stage.

What I appreciated most was that the staging never overshadowed the actual performance.

Tinashe and her dancers were the main attraction, and they didn't need much else to keep the audience entertained.

Does Tinashe bring fans onstage?

She did at Brooklyn Paramount, and it was one of my favorite parts of the night.

Around 10:07 p.m., Tinashe returned for the final portion of the show wearing an oversized white T-shirt featuring her star logo, layered with a lace top and paired with tall boots.

For "Melatonin," several fans were invited onstage to dance alongside her.

Instead of a tightly choreographed performance, the moment turned into a spontaneous-looking party. Everyone was dancing, moving around and enjoying themselves while Tinashe interacted with the fans.

At one point, she handed the microphone to an audience member, although the singalong didn't quite go as planned.

She also grabbed a handheld fog cannon and sent clouds of smoke across the stage.

It was chaotic and exciting in the best possible way.

As someone who spends a lot of concerts filming videos, I sometimes find myself so focused on documenting the experience that I forget to enjoy it.

During "Melatonin," I actually put my phone down.

There was something refreshing about watching Tinashe and her fans simply dance together without feeling like I needed to capture every second.

The evening concluded with "Crash Out," giving the show one final burst of energy.

It was a fitting ending for a performance that felt as much like a celebration of Tinashe's career as it did a concert.

What should you know before going to Brooklyn Paramount?

Brooklyn Paramount is one of my favorite concert venues in New York City.

The historic theater originally opened in 1927 and returned as a live music venue in spring 2024 after an extensive restoration.

I've attended plenty of shows there, and I always recommend it to people visiting New York.

The architecture is beautiful, the lighting makes for great photos, and the overall atmosphere feels special. I also generally enjoy the drink menu, staff and crowd.

It has become more mainstream since reopening, but it still feels like a distinctive place to experience live music.

That said, Tinashe's concert came with one of the longest lines I've ever encountered at the venue.

The line wrapped around the block, and it took approximately 40 minutes just to get inside.

At one point, staff began directing people without bags into a separate line on the right, allowing them to enter more quickly.

I've attended Brooklyn Paramount many times and hadn't previously encountered that arrangement, so I wouldn't assume it will be available at every show.

But if you're comfortable going without a bag, it's worth checking whether the venue is offering a faster entry line.

The biggest takeaway is to budget substantially more time than you think you'll need, particularly for a sold-out or especially popular show.

What time should I arrive for Tinashe?

For the Brooklyn show, doors opened at 7 p.m., DJ Ali RQ performed around 8:20 p.m., and Tinashe appeared at approximately 9:05 p.m.

My advice is to arrive when doors open, especially if you want merchandise or a spot close to the stage.

The entry line alone took me around 40 minutes, and the merchandise line was just as long.

That meant getting inside was only half the battle.

If you're hoping to browse the merchandise table, purchase a shirt and still be comfortably positioned before Tinashe starts, you need to account for both lines.

Otherwise, you may find yourself choosing between getting the shirt you want and missing part of the show.

This was an unusually busy night, so other venues and dates may operate differently. Still, arriving early is the safest strategy.

What do people wear to a Tinashe concert?

The best way I can describe the crowd at Tinashe's Brooklyn Paramount show is effortlessly cool.

There wasn't one particular dress code or aesthetic everyone seemed to follow. Instead, people dressed in ways that felt authentic to their personal styles.

Some fans kept things casual with jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts, while others leaned into a more elevated, nightlife-inspired look.

I spotted leather, metallic accessories, unique statement pieces and sunglasses that looked like they belonged in an underground club.

It felt very New York, with everyone putting their own spin on what it means to dress like a pop star.

My advice? Wear something you feel confident in, whether that's a carefully planned outfit or your favorite jeans and a cool top.

And remember, Brooklyn Paramount is a general-admission venue. You'll likely be standing and dancing for hours, so comfortable shoes are worth considering.

What is Tinashe's One Night With a Popstar merch like?

If you want Tinashe merchandise, this is one part of the concert experience you should plan carefully.

The merchandise line at Brooklyn Paramount was enormous. I spent approximately 40 minutes waiting, and certain items sold out before everyone could purchase them.

After the concert, fans lined up again, but several designs and sizes were already unavailable.

The selection included music, posters and several clothing options.

Here's what was available at the Brooklyn show:

One of the most popular items was a charcoal-gray T-shirt featuring "Popstar" lettering surrounded by rhinestones. The back read "Tinashe: One Night With a Popstar" and listed the Chicago, Brooklyn and Los Angeles dates.

I loved the design, but I had mixed feelings about the quality.

The rhinestone detailing was relatively minimal for a $60 shirt, and the fabric didn't feel particularly soft. The fit also seemed smaller than I expected.

The white "Don't Wanna Die Underrated" shirt had a similarly understated rhinestone design.

The $45 baby tees were a different story. I particularly liked the blue design with red lettering because the text had a slightly raised, almost felt-like finish rather than looking like a basic screen print.

I ended up purchasing that one.

The biggest issue was availability. By the time I made it back to the merchandise table after the concert, the Popstar shirt was completely sold out, and the white shirt had very limited sizing remaining.

If you're hoping to buy a specific design, particularly in a larger size, I'd recommend shopping before the performance rather than waiting until afterward.

There was also a QR code promoting Tinashe's Popstar merchandise capsule.

Fans can sign up for the Popstar merch capsule to receive updates. It's worth checking if you missed out on a shirt, although signing up doesn't guarantee a restock or online release.

Some fans around me were surprised by the merchandise prices, especially compared with what they had paid for their concert tickets.

Personally, I thought some of the designs were cute, but I'd have liked to see softer fabric and more substantial rhinestone detailing on the $60 options.

Where should you stand for Tinashe at Brooklyn Paramount?

Brooklyn Paramount is a general-admission venue, which means your experience depends largely on when you arrive and where you position yourself.

I ended up approximately six or seven rows back, toward one side of the stage.

Despite not being directly at the barricade, I had a good view of Tinashe and managed to capture some excellent videos.

The biggest challenge wasn't necessarily the distance. It was the number of people holding their phones in the air.

The crowd was constantly dancing, jumping and waving their hands, which made for a fun atmosphere but also meant that other people's phones frequently ended up in my videos, especially when I zoomed in.

If getting completely unobstructed photos and videos is important to you, arriving early enough to secure a spot closer to the barricade may be worth the wait.

Otherwise, don't assume you need to be at the very front to enjoy the show.

Even a few rows back, I could see Tinashe's choreography and felt immersed in the performance.

And as with any GA concert, be considerate of the people around you. Everyone wants a good view, but pushing past people who have been waiting for hours isn't the way to get one.

What is the crowd like at a Tinashe concert?

Tinashe's Brooklyn show was packed, but the crowd was one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.

There was a mix of longtime fans who knew her older material and newer listeners who discovered her through recent hits.

The energy was high throughout the night, with people dancing, singing along, cheering and occasionally getting a little rowdy.

But despite how crowded the venue was, I didn't find the atmosphere particularly aggressive.

I've definitely experienced worse at general-admission concerts.

What stood out more was how friendly and inclusive the audience felt. There was a strong LGBTQ+ presence, and the crowd seemed comfortable expressing themselves however they wanted.

That atmosphere continued even after Tinashe left the stage.

While waiting in the merchandise line, I started chatting with another fan. Within minutes, we were talking about our zodiac signs and sharing stories like we'd known each other for years.

Only at a Tinashe concert could I spend another half hour in a merchandise line after the show and somehow end up discussing astrology and my entire life story with someone who had been a complete stranger just minutes earlier.

The line was frustrating, but the people made it surprisingly fun.

Does Tinashe have an afterparty?

Tinashe's Brooklyn concert wasn't necessarily the end of the night for fans who wanted to keep dancing.

She also had a separately advertised late-night DJ appearance at Marquee New York on October 24. The Marquee event was restricted to guests 21 and older and required a separate ticket from the Brooklyn Paramount concert.

It's a fun extension of the club atmosphere that runs throughout her show, particularly for fans who want to experience a more nightlife-focused side of Tinashe.

Certain concert VIP packages may offer benefits such as early entry or other special experiences, but don't assume that purchasing a VIP concert ticket automatically includes admission to a separate nightclub event.

Check the exact package details and afterparty ticket information before making plans.

Is Tinashe's One Night With a Popstar worth seeing live?

Absolutely.

I've seen Tinashe perform before, and I've always appreciated her talent. But this show felt like a turning point.

For years, she's had the music, dance skills and vocal ability to compete with some of the biggest names in pop. What feels different now is the confidence and clarity of her presentation.

She's not trying to fit into the traditional pop-princess mold.

Her version of pop stardom is sexier, edgier and more club-oriented, with a little R&B attitude and plenty of choreography.

It's a show for people who love pop music but also want something that feels a little less conventional.

What impressed me most was how effortlessly she balanced everything. She sang live, performed intricate routines alongside her dancers, delivered emotional moments and still made the audience feel like they were at a party.

And the fact that she ended the night dancing with fans rather than keeping them at a distance made the whole experience feel even more special.

My biggest advice is to arrive early, especially if you want merchandise. The entry and shopping lines at Brooklyn Paramount were unusually long, and popular designs sold out quickly.

But once Tinashe took the stage, those frustrations faded into the background.

I've been rooting for her for years, and seeing her finally receive this level of recognition was genuinely exciting.

Tinashe has always been a pop star. Now she's making sure everyone knows it.

And after spending one night with her, it's hard to argue otherwise.