Presenting a disco-pop escape, The Aces’ Gold Star Baby Tour is a a celebration of fun and individuality. The Aces, an American alternative pop band of four members: guitarist Katie Henderson, bassist McKenna Petty, and sisters Alisa Ramirez and Cristal Ramirez, has been releasing music together since 2012. With their queer lyrics, punchy bass lines, and a cohesive theme to set the stage fans know what to expect from the band and their newest album, Gold Star Baby is no exception. Marking their fourth studio record, Gold Star Baby is an ode to disco, club music, and the community often found under the twinkle of a disco ball.
Sunday night at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, NC opens with Lydia Night. Who notability called her set “glorified karaoke.” Her somber lyrics mixed over a bright pop beat created a cathartic atmosphere. Lydia worked the magic of a small intimate venue, encouraging the crowd to dance along with her as her pink hair blending seamlessly into the stage lights — perfectly warming up the stage for what’s to come.
As the lights dim the playful track “Welcome To Gold Star Baby” plays through the speakers. It is in the style of a retro commercial that introduces the band as “the baddest, the raddest, make you go the maddest” group and categories the show as “sounds of sexy disco-pop magic.” According to the lyrics Gold Star Baby is the hottest club in town where you can shake your hips and possibly meet the love of your life, and that’s the perfect) description for tonight’s show.
The band opened the night with the song “Jealous” from their new record and then followed it up with “New Emotion,” a tune from their previous album.
Although the show theme is heavily influenced by their newest record the quartet does not shy away from playing their throwbacks. They did a great job at mixing their old and newer music together by using more voiceover interludes to transition the parts of the set and dictate what era the next string of songs would originate from. This created an atmosphere where all fans both new and old could enjoy the band’s discography while enjoying in the funky club theme.
Speaking of fans, there was no shortage of fan interactions that night. A fashion contest invited fans to show off their club themed outfits, resulting in the winner being brought on stage to do a shot with the band. A fan asked guitarist Katie to marry them, ring included. And to top it off there was a mid show segment “Spill The Tea” where a couple of fans take the mic and spill their personal hot gossip. These interactions could only be pulled off at small venues like the Lincoln Theatre and it’s what makes The Aces truly have built a beautiful and safe community of fans who love and support their work. The band end out the night with playing their debut single “Stuck.”
With several dates left, The Aces is a must see show this season. Rather you want to dance, freely express yourself or spill the tea, The Aces have a space for you in their audience. Just don’t forget your glitter!
GALLERY: The Aces with Lydia Night at Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina (November 16, 2025)
