Ashlee Simpson Gives Just-Push-Play Show In Richmond

Melissa Ruggieri of the Richmond Times Dispatch reviewed Ashlee Simpson’s concert on Thursday (June 29) before about 4,000 mostly pre-pubescent girls at Innsbrook’s FasMart Pavillion. She writes, “…the obvious goal of Simpson’s handlers is to divert attention from her flat, raspy voice by having her project an engaging, effervescent presence when singing. Last night she sweated, repeatedly hopped on platforms flanking each end of the stage and strutted across a wrought-iron staircase with unflagging energy. But even with her two hopefully well-paid backup singers following her on the verses as well as the choruses, Simpson has no voice to control.”